The Las Vegas Aces improved to 25-3 on the season after defeating the Dallas Wings, 104-84.
After a bad loss in their last matchup the Aces came out on fire looking to make a statement. A’ja Wilson led the Aces with 28 points and 14 rebounds , Kelsey Plum had 20 points, Jackie Young added 18 points and Chelsea Gray had 16.
Satou Sabally led the Wings with 21 points, followed by Arike Ogunbowale with 12 points, Crystal Dangerfield added 11 points.
The Aces got off to a fast start scoring at will and leading 14-0 midway through the quarter forcing Dallas to take a timeout. Dallas would fight back and trim the lead to eight points, but they would not be able to get any closer. The Aces offensive firepower was too much for Dallas to overcome, and the Aces would go on to lead by as many as 41 point. A’ja Wilson rebounded off a career-low 9-point performance, finishing with 28 points and 14 rebounds and really setting the tone for the game.
Here are three takeaways from the game:
Aces get off to a hot start
After being blown out by the Liberty in their last game the Aces came out on fire looking to take it to Dallas early. The Aces started the game scoring the first 14 points and holding the Wings scoreless for the first five minutes. Chelsea Gray lead the way scoring 11 points in the quarter getting it down from outside knocking down three threes. The Aces held Dallas to just 5-18 shooting from the field and 1-6 from three. The Dallas Wings were also out-rebounded by the Aces in the first quarter 15-6. That hot start would carry over into the second quarter as the Aces went onto outscore the Wings 30-13. The Aces would lead by as many as 41 points well coasting to a victory thanks to a hot start. The three-point shot was falling for the Aces, who finished the game with 16 threes on 50% shooting.
Aces contain Wings stars
Natasha Howard has given the Aces problems on the offensive end this season including a 32 points 13 rebound performance. The Aces defensive game plan of clogging the paint and making it a priority to crash the glass made it hard for Howard. Howard finished the first half 0-5 with 0 points and 1 rebound. In the third quarter she would score her first basket but the Aces never let her get hot as she would finish the game with 10 points on 2-9 shooting and 5 rebounds. The Aces were also able to keep the two Wings all-stars in check, limiting Arike to 12 points on 5-16 shooting. Satou Sabally struggled to get going, finishing with 21 points on 6-17 shooting.
Big Birthday Performance from A’ja Wilson
A’ja Wilson, who was playing on her 27th birthday, would rebound in a big manner after a difficult shooting night. Wilson came out on a mission, scoring 7 points and collecting 6 rebounds in the first quarter.A’ja played a huge part in the Aces winning the rebounding battle finishing with 14 rebounds and making it tough for Dallas post players to get anything in the paint. On the offensive end A’ja would also dominate scoring 28 points on an efficient 10-18 shooting night.
The Aces will return home Friday for the first matchup of the season against the Washington Mystics with tip off set 7:00 p.m. PT.
