Aces keep win streak alive in first game of playoffs

The Las Vegas Aces (30-14, 1-0) start their quest for their fourth championship in four years against the Seattle Storm (23-21, 0-1) at home on Sunday night.

In the first half, the Aces got off to a quick start against the Storm. With 5:46 remaining in the first quarter, the Aces led 13-5.

Seattle tried to gain some footing after going down by ten points. During the first quarter, Jackie Young moved up to 2^nd in career playoff assists in franchise history. A’ja Wilson moved up to 8^th in all-time playoff rebounds, passing Sylvia Fowels (426).

The Aces closed out the first quarter 22-12. In the second quarter, the Aces battle back and forth with the Storm. With 2.0 remaining in the first half, Jackie Young hit a three-pointer that gave the Aces a 20-point lead going into the locker room.

The Aces came back from halftime with the same momentum that they ended the first half with. They managed to go a three-pointer shooting spree as they did against the Sparks last week. They closed out the third quarter leading Seattle, 76-52.

With under five minutes remaining in the game, A’ja Wilson and Dana Evans connected for two scores to give the Aces a 94-62 lead.

The Aces close out game 1 against Seattle with a 102-77 win over the Seattle Storm.

A’ja Wilson led the Aces scoring 29 points, and 10 of 18 shooting from the floor. NaLyssa Smith led the Aces, grabbing down 9 rebounds, while Jackie Young dished out 7 assists.

“When we play defense, we become very difficult to beat,” Aces coach Becky Hammon said.

“Winning is fun. When winning is the standard, it raises your level, your will to win,” said NaLyssa Smith.

The two teams will meet again for game 2 on Tuesday, September 16 in Seattle.