Aces Lock In and Handle Business on the Road in Connecticut
The Las Vegas Aces got the win against the Connecticut Sun, taking the 86–68 victory behind a strong team performance that showed just how dangerous this squad can be when they’re clicking.
From the opening tip, the Aces came out focused. They jumped out to a quick 6-0 lead and never looked back. Four players scored in double figures, led by A’ja Wilson’s 19 points, as Las Vegas shot a season best 54% from the field. Dana Evans came off the bench with a spark, dropping a season-high 18 points, including 11 in the fourth to help close it out. Jackie Young added 14, and NaLyssa Smith, in just her second game with the team, notched her third double-double of the season with 11 points and 10 rebounds and did it in her first start as an Ace.
One of the biggest storylines of the night came from Chelsea Gray, who continues to rewrite the record books. With her season high 8 assists, Gray passed her head coach Becky Hammon (1,708) to move into 6th all-time on the WNBA career assist list with 1,710.
And if that wasn't enough? Gray is just 3 steals and 1 block away from becoming only the fifth player in WNBA history with at least 4,000 points, 1,000 rebounds, 1,500 assists, 400 steals, and 100 blocks. She's currently sitting at 4,146 points, 1,086 rebounds, 1,710 assists, 397 steals, and 99 blocks on the verge of joining one of the most elite stat clubs in league history. She’s doing it in just her 343rd game, which would make her the second fastest ever, behind only Alyssa Thomas (327) and ahead of Candace Parker (377). Big time.
Photo Credit: Eric Nguyen
After struggling in their last outing, the Aces flipped the switch. They went 9 for 26 from deep, outscored the Sun 44–26 in the paint, and outrebounded them 35–27. It wasn’t perfect Vegas still gave up 19 points off turnovers but they looked locked in from start to finish.
A few more standout notes:
A’ja Wilson has now scored in 66 straight regular season games, the longest active streak and sixth-longest in WNBA history.
Jackie Young is now just 7 points shy of 3,000 career points. Once she hits it, she’ll be the fifth Aces player to do so.
Jewell Loyd climbed to 20th on the WNBA’s all time scoring list with 5,723 points.
Next up: the Aces continue their road trip with a big time matchup at New York on July 8. That one tips at 4 PM PT on ESPN, and you already know it’s going to be a must-watch.
Next Up: @ New York Liberty (July 8, 4 PM PT)