Aces clinch playoff berth after defeating the Dream

Aces Dream

Starting in place of Jackie Young, who was sidelined due to rest, Tiffany Hayes had a strong first quarter, shooting 4-5 from the field. The Aces led the Dream 22–18, and Hayes led all scorers with 10 points in the quarter.

Sydney Colson, a fan favorite guard, came off the bench in the second quarter and scored six points, going 2-2 from three, to give the Aces much-needed spark.

With four minutes left in the half, the Aces led 39-29 after going on a 10-3 run in the second quarter. The Aces would finish the half with five consecutive baskets, taking a 44-38 lead at the break after Atlanta responded and pulled to within one, 39-38.

A’ja Wilson lead all scorers at the half with 14 points on 6-10 shooting while Tiffany Hayes had 10 points on 4-5 shooting.

There would be a scare in the second half when A’ja Wilson went to the basket and was fouled but took a hard fall. Michelob Ultra Arena went silent but A’ja was able to walk off on her own power and stayed in the game.

Kelsey Plum who began the game 0-6 from the field heated up in the third quarter going 3-5 from the field. She scored 8 of her 13 points in the quarter. The Aces would score the final 4 points to close the quarter and take a 65-58 lead heading into the fourth.

The Aces who have struggled defensively throughout this season were able to hold on in the fourth quarter outscoring the Dream 18-14. They limited the Dream to 5-18 shooting (27.8%) from the field in the quarter well shooting 6-13 (46.2 %). Chelsea Gray scored all 4 of her points in the fourth quarter going 2-2 from the field.

Box Score 

Three Aces scored in double figures led by A’ja Wilson who finished with 26 points, 16 rebounds, 5 assist and 5 blocks. Wilson also picked up another milestone in this game with her 16 rebounds she has now surpassed 2000 career rebounds.

Tiffany Hayes would get the start over Jackie Young who was out with rest and she would have a huge impact in this game. Hayes finished with 20 points, 10 rebounds and 2 assist.

Kelsey Plum who struggled in the first half scoring just 5 points would turn it up in the second half scoring 13 points. Plum finished with 18 points, 4 assist while knocking down 4 three pointers.

The Dream were led by Allisha Gray who finished with 17 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assist. Rhyne Howard finished with 12 points and Jordin Canada scored 10 to round out the double figure scoring for the Aces.

The Las Vegas Aces will travel to Phoenix Sunday to take on the Mercury. Tip off is set for 1 p.m. and it will be televised on league pass.