Three takeaways from Aces’ crushing 111-58 loss to Lynx

LAS VEGAS—It was a ‘burn the tape’ kind of afternoon for the Las Vegas Aces.

On Saturday, the Aces suffered a disheartening 111-58 loss to the Minnesota Lynx at Michelob ULTRA Arena.

The Lynx continue to be the class of the WNBA, increasing their record to 24-5 on the season. The Aces, on the other hand, sink back to .500 with a 14-14 record, keeping them squarely on the playoff bubble.

Here are three takeaways from a performance that the Aces will likely want to forget sometime soon.

Bride-zilla

While MVP candidate Napheesa Collier deserves plenty of attention, it was guard Kayla McBride who gave the Aces nightmares all afternoon.

Leading what was a three-point barrage from the Lynx, McBride was dialed in from beyond the arc, shooting eight-for-ten. The clinical performance lead to a game-leading 24 points for McBride, who rested with the rest of the Lynx starters for the fourth quarter. Her impressive performance was a major part of how the Lynx were able to pull away early and keep the game well out of the Aces’ reach.

Depth charge

McBride lead the way in scoring, but she was far from the only Minnesota player to make her mark against the Aces.

Counting McBride, four Lynx players hit the double-digit point mark. Collier boosted her MVP case with a 18-point outing before an injury ended her afternoon late in the third quarter. Guard Natisha Hiedeman also put up 17 points, while forward Jessica Shepard (18 points, 14 rebounds) recorded a double-double to help the Lynx to a decisive victory.

A shining light

It was a rough day at the office for many Aces players, but guard Jewell Loyd at least continued a strong run coming off the bench.

She did her part to at least reduce the deficit for the Aces, leading the team with 12 points. Loyd also did her part defensively, recording a block and a steal. The game got away from the Aces quickly, but Loyd did her part to at least give her team something to build off for next game.

The Aces return to action tomorrow against the Golden State Valkyries.