A'ja's Chasing History and the Valkyries Are Coming to The House
Saturday at Michelob Ultra Arena is going to be a special one and not just because of the game.
The Las Vegas Aces host the Golden State Valkyries at noon PT on ABC in what is shaping up to be one of the most compelling matchups of the early season. But before we even get to the basketball, today is Alumni Weekend a three day celebration honoring the women who built this franchise. The first 7,500 fans through the doors receive a commemorative magazine honoring every team from the first 29 seasons of this organization's history. That is a beautiful thing and this city is going to show up for it.
Now let's talk about the basketball. Because this one has must watch written all over it.
A'ja Wilson is hunting records again
At this point I feel like I need a dedicated section in every Aces article just for A'ja Wilson's record watch. Here's where she stands heading into today:
She is three blocked shots away from passing Tangela Smith to move into sole possession of No. 7 on the WNBA all-time blocks list. She needs just one rebound to break a tie with DeLisha Milton-Jones and move into No. 15 all-time. She needs eight made free throws to pass Angel McCoughtry and move into No. 4 all-time in that category. And she is the May Western Conference Player of the Month averaging 24.8 points and leading the entire league with 2.6 blocks per game.
She has recorded double-doubles in three of the last four games and has scored 15, 23, and 16 points respectively over the last three games after a slow stretch. A'ja Wilson is locked in right now and that is a frightening thing for every team in this league including the Valkyries.
Jackie Young is finding her rhythm
After going scoreless in two straight games Jackie Young has responded in the best way possible 15, 23, and 16 points over the last three games with 8.3 assists per game during that stretch. She is flirting with double-doubles and the Aces offense looks completely different when she is engaged and attacking. One more three pointer today ties Kayla McBride for No. 3 in franchise history. Young is getting right at the right time and today feels like another big game for her.
The Aces are dominant — but have two areas to fix
Through nine games Las Vegas leads the league in blocked shots, points in the paint, defensive rebounds, and field goals made per game. They rank second in rebounds and assists and third in scoring at 89.7 points per game. This is a top-tier team on both ends of the floor.
But there are two things that need to be addressed and today will test both of them.
Free throws the Aces rank second to last in free throw percentage at 72.1 percent and last in total attempts. That has to get better. Games are won and lost at the line in the fourth quarter and Las Vegas cannot afford to leave points there against a Golden State team that will compete until the final buzzer.
Three point defense the Aces gave up a season-high 16 threes to Golden State the last time these teams met. Today's opponent leads the entire league in made threes, three point attempts, and three point percentage. This is the ultimate stress test for a defense that was shaky from deep against this very team recently.
The Valkyries are dangerous — do not sleep on them
Golden State comes in at 6-4 and they are for real. Janelle Salaun is averaging 14.2 points per game off the bench and is tied for fourth in the league in made threes with 27. Gabby Williams is averaging 13.3 points and dropped 20 on the Aces in their last meeting. Veronica Burton leads the team with 5.8 assists per game and averages 13.6 points. Kayla Thornton the franchise's first All-Star is averaging 9.8 points and 5.2 rebounds and bringing that veteran energy every night.
On defense the Valkyries rank first in limiting opponent points in the paint allowing just 30.0 points per game in that area. The Aces lead the league in points in the paint at 45.8. Something has to give.
Last time out
The Aces won 91-81 on the road in Golden State on May 31 — a game where they held the Valkyries to just 21.3 percent on two-point attempts. Wilson had 28 points, 15 rebounds, and 4 blocks. The Valkyries will be coming in motivated to return the favor on Las Vegas' home floor.
Injury report
Chennedy Carter is out with a left leg injury. Dana Evans is also out. Jewell Loyd is questionable with the same.
My take
Alumni Weekend. ABC nationally. A'ja Wilson three blocks from moving up the all-time list. Jackie Young finding her rhythm. A Valkyries team that just beat Minnesota and knows how to shoot. This is appointment television and I will be at The House for every minute of it.
The Aces are 6-3 and they have not won at home yet this season. Today would be a great day to change that in front of a full house celebrating the women who built this franchise.
Let's go Aces. Tip off is noon PT on ABC. Her Game Network has you covered.