The Las Vegas Aces hosted the Connecticut Sun in what would be the first of three meetings between each other this season. Coming off a win against the Seattle Storm, the Aces looked to get another huge win against a top-three seed. Meanwhile, the Sun looked to extend their winning streak.
The Sun were without Moriah Jefferson, who was out with an ankle injury. Kierstan Bell remained out for the Aces due to a leg injury, but Chelsea Gray is back for the second straight game on minutes restriction.
Game Recap
It was a slow start for Las Vegas as they missed their first six shots while Connecticut jumped to a 6-2 start. Brionna Jones got it going early, scoring the first eight points for her team. The Aces did not make their first field goal until the 6:04 mark of the first quarter.
After Jones scored the first eight points for the Sun, Ty Harris scored the next five. They were the only two players to score in the first quarter for the Sun, combining for 16 points. Las Vegas eventually got their offense going and closed the quarter on an 11-3 run to lead by four.
The Aces increased their lead to seven thanks to Alysha Clark scoring five quick points off the bench to begin the second quarter. It was a masterclass by the Aces on both ends of the floor. They held Connecticut to just 12 second-quarter points while scoring 25 including a 17-5 run to increase their lead to 17.
One of the craziest things that happened was Dewanna Bonner being held to just four shot attempts and zero points in the first half. The Aces' defense took away Bonner completely to the point where she could get into any kind of rhythm.
After scoring just four points in the first half, DiJonai Carrington scored the first four points for Connecticut. Then Bonner was able to get on the board with four more points to cut the deficit to 11. They came out with a lot more intensity, especially on the defensive end.
The Aces committed six turnovers in the third quarter after only committing four in the second half. Most of those turnovers led to easy shots at the rim or trips to the free-throw line. The Sun were able to get it within seven thanks to an 18-6 run.
Unfortunately, that was the closest the game would be because the fouls started piling up for Connecticut. Thomas and Carrington each had four fouls before the quarter ended followed by Jones with three. Las Vegas would end the quarter on a 9-3 run to go back up double-digits.
It eventually became an 18-6 run as the Aces started to push the lead to the point where head coach Stephanie White pulled the starters with a little over three minutes left. The Ace won the game 85-74 and improved to 8-6 on the season.
Connecticut remains the top team in the East despite the loss, but they sit only half a game in front of the New York Liberty. Coincidentally, the Liberty handed the Sun their first loss of the season.
DiJonai Carrington led the Sun with 19 points (15 in the second half) and six rebounds. Brionna Jones was the only other player to score in double figures, finishing with 18 points and seven rebounds.
Kelsey Plum finished with 18 points and four assists. Alysha Clark finished with 11 points. Jackie Young led the team with five assists. Megan Gustafson finished with five points and six rebounds. Kiah Stokes finished with 10 rebounds, seven points, and two steals.
Doing What She Does Best
A'ja Wilson led the Aces with 26 points, 16 rebounds, two steals and two blocks. This is her fourth game with 25 points and 15 rebounds this season. This is also 19 straight games with 20+ points.
She currently leads the league in points and rebounds, second in blocks and double-doubles, and tied for fifth in steals. Wilson is putting up MVP numbers every night and putting the team on her back.
The Aces may not be at the top at the moment, but they are getting their groove back at the right time. It is only a matter of time before the Aces get back to their dominating ways.
Photo Courtesy: @lvaces/instagram
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