Aces win 6th in a row after blowing out Mystics

LAS VEGAS -- These Las Vegas Aces are looking scarier by the minute.

With the Aces in full strength for the first time this season, they came out and took a double-digit lead against the Mystics with their shooting. And then they showed some sublime passing and built a 32-point lead. Vegas walloped Washington, 98-77.

The Aces looked like they were in cruise control in the second half. The passing was sublime and it was very evident that the two-time defending champions looked like they were having a blast.

"That's what people fell in love with us," Plum said about having fun. "It's hard when things are a little bit sticky, like earlier in the year, it's hard to have fun. But you're right; it needs to be a priority. Tonight was infectious, you can see it with everyone throughout the entire game. That's always been the identity and spirit of this team. It's just joyful, very selfless, very loving so I think that's something that's going to continue throughout the year."

One of the plays that was eye-popping was Plum's bullet pass to A'ja Wilson inside the middle.

"Yeah, I said I wanted to be like (Coach) Becky Hammon when I grow up," Plum quipped about the pass. "A'ja is the best hands in the world. It's ridiculous. I threw that thing so hard. So I'm just grateful she made it."

Besides that one pass, the Aces actually had 31 assists in 38 field goals.

"That's probably my favorite stat of the night," Becky Hammon said. "But really, it's the defense is what allows us to get out in space and get some easy ones. Transition are easy assists and easy lay-ups, easy points. Those will help a lot and it just changes the energy in the building." 

The Aces broke away in the third quarter with 35 points. With the easy assists along with the 19 transition points (compared to the Mystics' nine points), the Aces shot .594 compared to .386 with the Mystics. That's normally the game right there but Vegas outboarded the Mystics by eight and dominated them in the paint, 46-24. It didn't help that the Mystics were missing four of their Opening Night starters while the Aces were in full strength. 

Kelsey Plum led the Aces with 28 points while shooting 10 for 13 from the field. Jackie Young went for 20 points and 10 assists while A'ja Wilson had 18 points and nine boards. On the other side, the Mystics were led by Shatori Walker-Kimbrough with 19 points off the bench while Ariel Atkins had 18.

The Las Vegas Aces are on a roll as they have won six straight games. But they have a true back-to-back as they immediately go to Los Angeles for a game against the Sparks on Friday night. And the last time they faced each other, it didn't go so well for the Aces. Revenge will definitely be on their mind the day after the Fourth of July.