Aces Come up Big against Sparks, 96-81

The Las Vegas Aces spoiled former teammate Kelsey Plum’s homecoming with a 96-81 win over the Los Angeles Sparks.

Jackie Young got hot early in the first half with a couple of three-pointers that gave the Aces a 17-6 lead over the Sparks.

With 1:05 remaining in the first, the Aces were up 26-16. To close out the first quarter, Dana Evans drew a foul in the paint to go to the charity stripe to sink both shots to extend the Aces lead, 21-28.

To start the second quarter, Dana Evans made her presence known getting the bounce on a long three-pointer. A’ja Wilson drove to the paint around Azura Stevens for a sweet layup off the glass to give the Aces a 35-31 lead.

The Aces also exhibited better ball movement during the second quarter. Chelsea Gray converted a three-point play behind the line to push the Aces to 43. Kelsey Plum scored her first points of the game during the second quarter.

The Aces began heating up starting with back-to-back long balls from Chelsea Gray and Jewell Loyd to put the Aces up 50-36. The Aces continued the great ball movement, going on an 11-0 run with A’ja Wilson hitting a big three-pointer.

The Aces closed out the half with a three-pointer at the buzzer from Tiffany Mitchell to give add to the Aces lead, 57-42.

Coming into the third quarter, the Aces kept up the momentum taking their lead up a notch, 62-44. Kiah Stokes came up big for the Aces converting a three-point and facilitating excellent looks for her teammates.

In the fourth quarter, the Aces continue to improve on their retooled game. The Aces looked as if they were having fun. The ball movement was cohesive.

When asked what the readjustment was for the Aces, A’ja Wilson said, “We got our behinds cut at practice all week. We are learning how to gel now as a team.” Wilson scored 35 points, grabbed 13 rebounds, and dished out six assists. Jackie Young come up big scoring 26 points and three assists.

“It’s all about sticking together and playing Aces basketball,” Jackie Young said.

Next up, the Las Vegas Aces tip-off against the Storm again 3pm PT back in Seattle.