Jewell Loyd comes up big in final seconds as Aces top Wings, 88-84

The Las Vegas Aces ( 5-4) found a way to get the win against the Dallas Wings (1-11) at home in the absence of center A’ja Wilson who was in concussion protocol for tonight’s game.

In the first quarter, Jewell Loyd caught fire early on with back-to-back possessions. The Aces looked cohesive in their attack on the basket and on defense on the other end of the court. With less than a minute left in the first quarter, the Aces went on an 8-0 run to earn their largest lead of the game, 24-16.

To start the second quarter, Aaliyah Nye and Dana Evans made their presence felt on the offensive end to make back-to-back shots in the paint. Kirsten Bell launched a three-pointer from the top of the key to bring put the Aces up 31-27. During the second quarter, Jewell Loyd was the first Aces player to score in double figures. To end the half, the Aces led the Wings 49-40.

The Wings managed to force some Aces turnovers and turn up the defense on the Aces. The Wings attacked the basket behind, DiJonai Carrington and rookie Paige Bueckers. Carrington ended the game with 15 points on the night.

Jackie Young began to heat up to lead the Aces back to close out the third quarter. The Aces closed out the quarter being down by 6, 70-64 after being down by as much as 13 in the early part of the quarter.

The Aces had ten turnovers in the third quarter alone.

In the fourth quarter, Jackie Young led the charge, attacking the Wings in the paint. Tiffany Mitchell was consistent in getting to the free-throw line to keep the Aces in the game. With under 2:30 left in the game, the Aces were on the path for the comeback.

The Aces closed out the Wings in the final seconds of the game with an important rebound by rookie Aaliyah Nye to pass it to Jewell Loyd for the massive three-pointer to give the Aces 84-82.

The Aces edge out the Wings, 88-84. In the post-game, Jewell Loyd said, “This is a big team effort. Chelsea (Gray) down the court and Aaliyah Nye with the big rebound. That’s all heart and we needed it.”

Jewell Loyd also gave a shoutout to her inspiration Kobe Bryant, “Shoutout to Kobe.”

The Aces tip-off against the Phoenix Mercury on Sunday, June 15 at home at 3pm PT.

As for A’ja Wilson’s status, the Aces do not have a clear date for her return.