Aces rally past Dream in potential postseason preview

The Las Vegas Aces, led by 32 points from A'ja Wilson, rallied from a 10-point fourth quarter deficit to overtake the Atlanta Dream 74-72 and post an eighth consecutive win.

Neither team had led by more than five points entering the fourth quarter, but Atlanta held a 61-57 edge and scored the first six points of the fourth quarter to go up 67-57 with 8:44 remaining. But Las Vegas then went on a 13-0 run to claim a 70-67 edge, capped by a Jewell Loyd 3-pointer with 4:09 to play. Wilson scored six points in that pivotal stretch.

After the Dream pulled even at 72 on a Rhyne Howard 3-pointer, it was Wilson-time again for Las Vegas. She drained a mid-range jumper to account for the winning margin with 1:15 to play. Atlanta had two possessions to answer, but Howard missed a trey with 51.9 seconds left and short runner in the paint with 4.2 seconds left. Brittney Griner got the carom and attempted a tip-in, but it was off the mark and Kierstan Bell snared the rebound for the Aces.

Las Vegas (22-14) forced six turnovers in the fourth quarter, including a trio of shot clock violations, to pull within a half-game of the Dream in the race for the No. 2 playoff seed behind Minnesota. Las Vegas shot 45.3 percent (29-for-64) while holding Atlanta to 40.0 percent (26-for-65).

Wilson's 32 points represented her third straight 30+ point effort in a run toward a potential fourth WNBA MVP award. Wilson shot 12-for-24 and added 12 rebounds and five blocked shots. Jackie Young added 16 points and seven boards. Chelsea Gray approached a triple-double with eight points, 11 assists and seven rebounds.

Atlanta (22-13) was led by Howard, whose 19 points included 4-for-11 3-point shooting. Allisha Gray added 16 points and six rebounds. Griner tallied 16 points on 7-for-10 shooting and pulled eight rebounds.

The Dream will return to action on Thursday when they host league-leading Minnesota. The Aces will also play at home, facing Phoenix on Thursday. The Aces won the previous game with Atlanta on July 22nd, 87-72. The teams will meet again on August 27th, the lone meeting in Atlanta.