LAS VEGAS (July 19, 2018)—Las Vegas still has its collective sights set on a WNBA playoff berth in its first season since relocating from San Antonio, and the Aces now sit two games out of eighth place, and four games out of third. Las Vegas’ next opportunity to move up the standings comes Thursday, July 19 as the Aces hit the road for a quick trip to Phoenix and a 7 pm PT tip against the Mercury.

The Aces had their four-game winning streak snapped Sunday night in a 99-78 loss to Los Angeles. Candace Parker’s 34 points helped the Sparks pick up the victory, as they outscored Las Vegas 35-15 in the fourth quarter.

The Aces began their inaugural season with a 1-7 start, but have gone 9-6 over their last 15 games to move into postseason contention. The team has improved on both sides of the ball, but particularly on the offensive end.

Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player candidate A’ja Wilson and All-Star Kayla McBride have led the Aces back in the playoff race. Wilson is seventh in the league in scoring (19.9), third in rebounding (8.7) and sixth in blocked shots (1.78); while McBride is eighth in scoring (19.1), fifth in free throw percentage (.904), and ninth in three-point field goal percentage (.407).

Over the last 15 games, Wilson and McBride have been one of the most productive scoring duos in the WNBA.

The Mercury have lost three of their last four games, but still remain in second place in the standings. They boast three players in the top twenty in the league in scoring, including two of the top six—Brittney Griner (20.7), Diana Taurasi (20.0) and DeWanna Bonner (15.4).  Phoenix ranks first in the league in three-point field goal percentage (.352) and averages 6.5 made three-pointers a game.

Las Vegas is 0-2 against the Mercury this season The teams last met on June 17 in Las Vegas as the Mercury won, 92-80.  Griner and Taurasi went 15 for 29 from the floor and combined for 52 points.