Game two of the WNBA Playoffs was a nail-biter for the Las Vegas Aces. After an eight-point lead in the third quarter, the Aces fell to the Seattle Storm 86-83 at Climate Pledge Arena on Tuesday, Sept. 16. The series is now tied 1-1, and the Aces’ win streak falls just one game short of tying the WNBA record at 17-straight wins.
Right from the jump, the first quarter was a lot closer than the whole first game of the playoff series. There were six lead changes, and the biggest lead was five points by the Aces. Jackie Young and A’ja Wilson made back-to-back jump shots to take a 4-0 lead. Nneka Ogwumike quickly tied the game after a three-pointer and a free throw. She was the only Storm player to score for the first four minutes. Kierstan Bell tallied the first three-pointer for the Aces. Jewell Loyd sank a three to give Las Vegas the lead. Bad passes and turnovers got Seattle within one point of the Aces to end the quarter 22-21.
Las Vegas held the lead throughout the first half of the second quarter, thanks to multiple fouls by Seattle. Dana Evans made two shots at the charity stripe, and Loyd added one in the first four minutes. Skylar Diggins made back-to-back three-pointers to give Seattle a one-point lead. Wilson answered right back with a three to put the Storm two points behind. Chelsea Gray made her first three-pointer with a minute remaining. Wilson’s turnover caused the Aces to lose their six-point lead, allowing the Storm to trail by just one point to end the quarter 45-44.
Both teams came out strong in the third quarter. Just like the second quarter, the Aces were able to gain a decent lead from free throws. Multiple missed shots and turnovers caused Seattle a three-minute scoring drought, leading the Aces to an 8-0 scoring run. Young sank one from behind the arc to give the Aces their biggest lead of the game, 10 points, 58-48. Young tallied five-straight points from three free throws and a jump shot. Ogwumike also went on a five-point run to get the Storm into double-digits for the quarter. Las Vegas continued to stay in the lead at the end of the quarter, 69-61.
NaLyssa Smith started the fourth quarter with a layup, and Diggins added two points for the Storm in the first thirty seconds. Neither team scored for the next two minutes, missing shots, free throws and recording many turnovers. Wilson got the mojo going for the Aces after making two free throws and a jump shot. Diggins and Erica Wheeler’s consistency on offense brought the Storm just three points behind the Aces. Seattle’s fouls helped the Aces keep a lead by making free throws. Dominique Malonga earned an and-one to put the Storm in the lead by one point. Diggins made a jump shot and Loyd missed a three-pointer. Seattle won 86-83.
Young led the Aces with 25 points. Wilson recorded a double-double with 21 points and 13 rebounds. For the Storm, Diggins tallied 26 points. Ogwumike and Malonga had double-doubles. Ogwumike had 24 points and 10 rebounds while Malonga recorded 11 points and 10 rebounds.
Up next:
The Las Vegas Aces will host game three against the Seattle Storm on Thursday, Sept. 18, at 6:30pm PT at Michelob ULTRA Arena.
