LAS VEGAS — The Las Vegas Aces fall to 30-5 on the season after losing to the Washington Mystics, 78-62.
The Las Vegas Aces offense struggled today as they lost the Mystics 78-62. Kelsey Plum led the Aces with 21 points, A’ja Wilson had 14 points, Jackie Young added 10.
Elena Delle Donne led the Mystics with 21 points, followed by Ariel Atkins with 16 points, Brittney Sykes added 14 points.
The Mystics got off to a quick start against the Aces leading 13-2 and forcing and early Aces timeout. Kelsey Plum and A’ja Wilson would led the Aces on a run to cut the deficit to 2 at the end of the first quarter. The Aces found themselves in the lead at halftime after bouncing back in the second quarter led by 6 points from Jackie Young. Washington responded taking the lead back early in the third and they never looked back as they went onto outscore the Aces 51-32 in the second half and cruise to a victory.
Here are three takeaways from the game:
Mystics strong defense
The Aces would struggle against the Mystics after shooting 45% from the field with four players scoring over 15 points in their last game. Washington’s defense was elite against the Aces forcing 19 Aces turnovers which they turned into 22 points. The Mystics defense made it tough for the Aces all night long holding the Aces to a season low 62 points.
“We gave them the ball I don’t know how many turnovers,” Plum said. “On the road against a good team if you turn the ball over that many times especially live ball turnovers that is kind of a back breaker.”
Hammon added: “19 turnovers for 22 points on the road it’s never good when you have more assist to the other team.”
Elena Delle Donne returns
For the first time this season, the Aces faced Elena Delle Donne, who would provide a defensive challenge. Delle Donne was aggressive throughout the game, getting to the foul line and going 7-7 well also shooting 6-10 from the field. Delle Donne scored 21 points in just her second game back after the All-Star break.
“She is a former MVP, she is good, she effects the game so when she is healthy yea she is a problem,” Hammon said.
Aces unable to play their game
The Aces were unable to play their game as they struggled to get stops on defense and get out in transition. Washington held the Aces to 0 fast break points while scoring 6 fast break points themselves, The Mystics packed the paint as well making it hard for the Aces to score in the pain. Washington won the points in the paint battle outscoring the Aces 30-14.
“I thought the ball stuck to much we did not get it popping,” Hammon said. “They basically zoned up with somebody in the paint every possession.”
“A lot of those paint points were easy gives and offensive rebounds so we did not take care of those categories you need to take car off to win,” Plum said.
The Aces will travel to New York Monday to take on the Liberty with tip off set 4 p.m. PT.
