Aces lightly gain their swagger back with a win over the Sun

The Las Vegas (9-9) looked to redeem themselves against the Connecticut Sun (2-16) on the road.

In the first quarter, the Aces got off to an early start against the Sun. At the 7:00 mark, the Aces led the Sun 6-2. A’ja Wilson put the Aces on her back early in the quarter. The Aces were up 12-6, with 4:31 left in the quarter.

Jewell Loyd went up for the last second shot attempt at the end of the first quarter but couldn’t quite connect, the Aces ended the quarter with a turnover and a lead by 4, 16-12.

The Aces started the second quarter with Dana Evans attacking the rim on back-to-back layups to give the Aces back the lead, 18-16.

Tina Charles was not one to be caught lacking on the offensive end of the floor for the Sun. Charles executed back-to-back attacks in the paint against A’ja Wilson.

Jackie Young connected with new Aces forward NaLyssa Smith, who came over from Dallas in the paint with a kiss off the glass to give the Aces a five-point lead. The Aces ended the first half leading the Sun 43-28. Kierstan Bell hit a monster three-pointer as the shot clock was winding down to close out the half.

To start the second half, Chelsea Gray hit A’ja Wilson with a layup off the glass. Not only did Wilson pick up the foul, but Chelsea Gray also passed Aces coach Becky Hammon to move up to sixth on the WNBA’s all-time assists list.

The Aces closed out the third quarter leading by 70-50.

To start the fourth quarter, Dana Evans and Kierstan Bell tag teamed the Sun, pushing the Aces lead to 75-55 with 7:40 left in the game.

The Aces seemed to have gained the swagger back, just a little bit with a 86-68 win over the Sun.

Dana Evans had a game! Evans finished the game with 18 points, 4 rebounds, and three assists.

In a post-game interview, Chelsea Gray said, “We needed it. Everybody that stepped on the floor contributed. Everybody was on point on both ends of the floor, playing selfless, so that’s what we need. No matter who we’re playing, or where it’s at, whether it’s a home or away game, I’m glad we were able to respond and get that one.”

The Aces continue their road trip to New York on Tuesday, July 8 at 5pm PT.