LAS VEGAS (June 11, 2023)—The Las Vegas Aces (8-1), who shot a WNBA season-best 58.5% from the field, got back to their winning ways, securing a 93-80 victory over the visiting Chicago Sky (5-5) on Sunday at Michelob ULTRA Arena. A’ja Wilson scored a team-best 21 points and hauled in 10 boards; Chelsea Gray shot 8-of-9 from the field, 3-of-3 from 3-point, for 19 points; Kelsey Plum hit for 16 points; Jackie Young had 14; and Candace Parker had 10 points, 6 boards and finished with season-highs of 7 assists and 5 steals. Marina Mabrey scored a team-high 20 for Chicago.
Box Score / Photos / Highlights
KEY RUNS
First Quarter (Las Vegas 24, Chicago 15)
The Aces struck first and never trailed. Holding a 15-13 edge, the Aces closed out the first quarter on a 11-2 run for a 24-15 lead at the quarter break. All five Aces scored in the period, led by 7 from Plum, while Gray had 5 and Parker, Wilson and Young scored 4 apiece. The Aces outscored the Sky 9-0 in transition and 14-6 points in the paint. Further, the Aces tallied 7 points off 3 Sky turnovers.
Second Quarter (Las Vegas 56, Chicago 39)
With 5:34 to play before intermission, Chicago scored a layup to slice the lead to 6, 35-29. However, that’s as close as the visiting club would come for the rest of the contest. Young swished in a pair of free throws, Plum followed with a 3 and the Aces were off and running. That sparked a 15-5 spurt that put the Aces up 50-34 at the 2:04 mark, when Chicago called a timeout. But the Aces continued their onslaught, and by halftime the lead was up to 56-39. In the second quarter the Aces shot 86.7% (13-15 FGs) from the field and were paced by Wilson’s 8 points (3-3 FGs), Plum’s 7 (3-4 FGs) and Gray’s 6 (3-3 FGs).
Third Quarter (Las Vegas 80, Chicago 60)
The Aces won the third period 24-21, led by Wilson’s 9 points.
Fourth Quarter (Las Vegas 93, Chicago 80)
With the game in hand, the Aces eased up in the fourth quarter and cruised in for the 93-80 victory.
KEY STATS
It has been 1,185 days since Breonna Taylor was murdered. In 2022, three officers were federally charged with conspiracy, obstruction of justice, and civil rights violations. One of the officers later pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiracy, marking the first conviction in the case.
The ACLU is currently tracking 491 anti-LGBTQ+ bills in the United States.
The 86.7% field goal shooting percentage in the second quarter set the Aces’ new franchise high for a quarter. Their previous high was 81.8% on June 9, 2012 (9-for-11, 1st quarter).
The Aces, who entered the game shooting a league-high 48.3% from the field, made a sizzling 58.5% (38-65 FGs) against the Sky, which was the best shooting percentage of any team this season. It also marked the second-best shooting percentage for the Aces since the franchise moved to Las Vegas (59.72%, 43-72 FGs vs. Atlanta on July 4, 2021).
The Aces have scored at least 90 points in 7 of their first 9 games this season.
Las Vegas outscored Chicago 50-38 points in the paint, 16-5 on the fast break and 9-4 on second chance points.
The Chicago bench outscored the Las Vegas reserves 20-13.
The Aces had 21 assists on 38 field goals.
GAME NOTES
Wilson scored in double figures for the 33rd consecutive regular season game (21 points), which is the third-longest active streak in the WNBA, and the 6th-longest streak in Aces’ franchise history.
Wilson’s double-double was the 59th of her career, which is tied for 19th for all-time WNBA career double-doubles.
Riquna Williams did not dress for the Aces (lower back).
NEXT OPPONENT
The Aces, which play 7 of their next 8 games at home, will face Seattle (1-6) on Thursday, June 15. The game is scheduled for a 7 pm PT tip.
June is Pride Month, and the Aces are celebrating Pride Night that night. The organization believes there is strength in numbers, and together we can help create a tipping point for a more inclusive world. From our fans to players, we welcome and support all people. The first 5,000 fans in attendance will receive a progressive pride flag. The game will feature live in game performances and entertainment by the LGBTQ+ community. Exclusive Pride merchandise will be available at both in arena locations.