The Las Vegas Aces look to get back on the winning track on Sunday, July 9 as they travel to Minnesota for a 4 pm PT tip against the Lynx. The game is being broadcast locally on Fox5 and the Silver State Sports & Entertainment Network.

• Game Notes

The Dallas Wings handed the Aces just their second loss of the season Friday night, 80-78. Las Vegas held an 11-point lead in the third quarter, and turned the ball over 3 times while allowing 5 offensive rebounds in the final 2:30 of play. Friday’s loss marked just the second time this season that the Aces were held under 80 points, and the 5th time they were held under 90.

Despite the defeat, Las Vegas still has the most efficient offense (112.7) and defense (95.1) in the WNBA. Of the 7 teams to lead the league in both statistics for an entire season, 6 eventually won the WNBA Championship. The Aces are connecting on 49.8 percent of their field goal attempts on the year, which would break the league record should they maintain it, as would their 56.2 percent from inside the arc.

Las Vegas boasts 4 players who are scoring in double figures, each of whom was named a 2023 WNBA All-Star—A’ja Wilson (19.7 ppg), Jackie Young (19.3), Kelsey Plum (17.8) and Chelsea Gray (14.4). Wilson also ranks 6th in the league in rebounding (9.2), 2nd in blocks (2.06), and 8th in field goal percentage (.514); Young is 4th in the W in field goal percentage (.571), 2nd in 3-point field goal percentage (.476) and 14th in steals (1.44); Plum is 14^th in assists (4.1) and 12^th in free throw percentage (.885); and Gray is 3rd in the WNBA in assists (6.2), 11th in field goal percentage (.505), 3rd in 3-point field goal percentage (.453) and 1st in free throw percentage (.971)

Minnesota has turned its postseason fortunes around over the past 12 games. Following an 0-6 start to the 2023 season, the Lynx have since gone 9-3, and are on a 5-game winning streak. The scheduling gods weren’t kind to Minny early on, as 5 of their first 7 games came against teams that currently boast records of .500 or above. The Lynx’ current winning streak consists of 2 wins each against Phoenix (3-14) and Seattle (4-13) and 1 against Indiana (5-13)

Statistically, Minnesota had the second worst defense (108.0 DER) in the league during their winless start, and the 8th best offense (97.1). Over the past 5 games, however, they are averaging 111.5 points per 100 possessions, while giving up a much more manageable 100.7.

One of the keys to the turnaround has been the play of 5-year veteran Napheesa Collier. During the team’s start, she was posting All-Star caliber numbers of 18.8 points per game and 5.3 rebounds. During the team’s current streak, however, she is averaging MVP-esque numbers of 24.8 points and 9.4 boards.

Kayla McBride has also had a hand in the Lynx resurgence. She missed 2 of the team’s first 6 games, and made only 34.7 percent of her field goals and 30.8 percent of her 3-pointers to open the season. Over the last 5 games, she is making 42.6 percent of her shots, including 44.1 percent from distance.

Las Vegas upended Minnesota in the first meeting between the teams this year, 94-73, at Michelob ULTRA Arena. The Aces’ defense held Minnesota to 36.6 percent shooting from the field, while Jackie Young (23 points) and Aja Wilson (21) led 5 Aces in double figures.

The teams squared off again in Las Vegas on June 18, with the Aces winning 93-62. Las Vegas outscored Minnesota 20-7 in the 3rd quarter to put the game out of reach. Young scored a game-high 24 points, while Plum dropped 4 3-pointers and finished with 21 points. Collier scored 18, and was the lone member of the Lynx in double figures.

The Ace are 32-57 against Minnesota during the regular season, but have won 2 straight, 6 of the last 7, and 11 of the last 16 games against the Lynx.