The Las Vegas Aces hosted the Seattle Storm on Friday, June 20, at Michelob ULTRA Arena, where they fell 90-83. This was the team’s third consecutive loss, putting them at a 5-7 overall record.
After enduring a head injury, A’ja Wilson was on concussion protocol leading up to the game. Coach Becky Hammon decided to start Wilson. She scored the first points of the game with a jump shot.
Chelsea Gray sunk the first three-pointer of the game. Seattle took control of the court after three missed shots by the Aces. The Storm’s defense led the Aces to rush their offense, but Las Vegas picked up the pace to end the first quarter behind 23-21. Aaliyah Nye sunk a good three-pointer at the buzzer.
Nye tied the game at the start of the second quarter with a jump shot. Wilson was the real game-changer in the quarter, helping the Aces pick up the pace as she held consistency on offense. She made five free throws and two shots in the paint. The Aces took the lead twice and pulled through for their biggest lead of the game to end the quarter 44-38.
The Aces showed a lot more confidence in themselves at the beginning of the third quarter but ended up giving away their lead. The team scored in six of its nine possessions in the first five minutes while keeping a lead. Turnovers were the main reason for the Aces’ downfall. Seattle’s offense held its consistency, leading them to take a one-point lead with 41 seconds remaining. The Storm led 67-66 going into the final quarter.
The competition was back and forth throughout the fourth quarter. Jewell Loyd and Nye each made three-pointers. Free throws helped the Aces stay close in score. Wilson made one, and Jackie Young, Loyd and Gray made two each. The Aces struggled on defense, not scoring in the last 2:14 of the game, losing 90-83.
