LAS VEGAS, NV (August 9, 2018)—Las Vegas’ margin for error continues to shrink in the race for the final WNBA playoff spot, as the Aces’ magic number to be eliminated was reduced to two Thursday evening thanks to an 89-73 loss to the Minnesota Lynx. Now any combination of two Dallas’ wins or Aces’ losses would put the Wings in the postseason and end Las Vegas’ playoff hopes.

KEY RUNS

The Aces led 11-4 with 6:24 to go in the first, but the Lynx went on a 9-2 run to tie the game,.

It was a tie game at 28 with three minutes gone in the second when Minnesota scored 11 of the next 14 points to take an eight point lead, 39-31.

The Lynx had a six-point lead, 57-51, with 3:31 to go in the third, and scored 11 consecutive points to go up by 17.

Las Vegas cut the lead to eight by scoring 10 of the first 13 points of the fourth quarter but could get no closer as the Lynx went on a 14-2 run to build their largest lead of the night at 20 points.

KEY STATS

The Aces allowed an opponent to connect on 50 percent or more of their field goal attempts for the fourth straight game. The Lynx made 50.0 percent compared to 37.5 percent for Las Vegas.

Minnesota made 8 of 19 shots from long distance compared to five of 14 for Las Vegas.

The Lynx out-rebounded the Aces 40-30

Las Vegas made 20 of 22 shots from the free throw line compared to 9 of 13 for Minnesota.

GAME NOTES

A’ja Wilson (18 points) reached double figures in scoring for the 29th straight time to start her WNBA career.

Kayla McBride had her streak of 24 straight games scoring in double figures snapped (7 points)

Kelsey Plum (11 points) reached double figures in scoring for the 11th time this season.

Tamera Young (16 points) reached double figures in scoring for the 16th time this season.

Danielle Robinson left with an injury with 5:59 to go in the second quarter and did not return.

Lindsay Whalen (rest) and Rebekah Brunson (injury) did not suit up for the Lynx.

Minnesota clinched a playoff berth with the win.