A new day calls for a new outcome. The Las Vegas Aces began the first weekend of August with a 111-58 loss to the Minnesota Lynx, but flipped the switch the following day, beating the Golden State Valkyries 101-77.
A’ja Wilson, Jackie Young, Chelsea Gray, Kierstan Bell and NaLyssa Smith started for the Aces against the Golden State Valkyries. Las Vegas is 1-1 against Golden State, falling 95-68 in the Commissioners Cup and winning 104-102 on July 12.
The Aces came out with strong defense, making the Valkyries scramble and be inconsistent on their shooting, leading to a 27-14 first quarter. Wilson and Gray each had seven points. Las Vegas excelled in free throws, going 6-for-6, and gained seven points off turnovers compared to Golden State’s two points.
Dana Evans and Jewell Loyd started the second quarter with back-to-back three-pointers. The Aces held the foes to an almost three-minute shooting drought to gain a 20-point lead early in the quarter. Golden State’s defense got aggressive toward the end. Janelle Salaün was given a flagrant type 2 foul after elbowing Loyd. The Aces kept strong on offense, getting up to a 25-point lead to end the half 40-25.
Kaila Charles and Carla Leite subbed in for Salaün for the second half of the game. Wilson was charged with a technical and shooting foul, giving the Valkyries three free-throw points. Las Vegas found its sweet spot behind the arc when Loyd and Megan Gustafson combined for four three-pointers in 1.5 minutes. The Aces took a 76-52 lead to end the quarter.
Aaliyah Nye hopped on the three-point train, starting the fourth quarter with a beauty behind the arc. Golden State sped up its offense and improved the consistency on offense, but it wasn’t enough to cause a threat to the Aces. Las Vegas won 101-77. This is the team’s fourth 100+ point win of the season.
Loyd and Young led the team with 20+ points, 27 and 20, respectively. Wilson was in the double digits with 14 points, and Gray had 11. The team shot 46.1% from the field and 45% from the three-point line.
