LOS ANGELES, CA (July 1, 2018)—A’ja Wilson played just 4:27 in the first half due to foul trouble, Sunday afternoon, and the Los Angeles Sparks capitalized by building a double-digit lead that they would never relinquish en route to a 87-71 victory.
KEY RUNS
Los Angeles led 24-20 late in the first quarter, and scored 20 of the next 22 points to open up a 22-point advantage, 44-22, with 7:24 to go in the first half. The Sparks eventually led by as many as 27, and the Aces were never able to get the lead down below double figures.
KEY STATS
A’ja Wilson was whistled for two fouls in the first 3:27 of the game, and had to sit for the remainder of the first quarter. After returning to the floor in the second quarter, Wilson picked up her third foul just one minute later. She ended up scoring 2 points in the first half on 1 for 1 shooting from the floor with 3 fouls and 2 turnovers in just 4:27 of “action.” Wilson tied her career low with 10 points on the day, and played the fewest minutes (18:57) of her pro career.
The Aces came into the game averaging a league-low 12.3 turnovers per game, but committed a season-high 21 this afternoon, including 8 in the first quarter.
Las Vegas averages 24.0 free throw attempts over game, but went just 12 for 17 Sunday.
Los Angeles shot 58.3 from the floor for the day, which is the highest percentage by an Aces’ opponent this season.
Los Angeles’ bench went 16 for 24 from the field and scored 38 points, while Las Vegas went 6 for 17 for 16 points.
GAME NOTES
A’ja Wilson (10 points) reached double figures in scoring for the 18th time to start her WNBA career.
Kayla McBride (13 points) reached double figures in scoring for the 15th time this season, and the 14th time in a row.
Tamera Young (16 points) reached double figures in scoring for the 11th time this season.
Kelsey Plum (12 points) reached double figures in scoring for the fifth time this season.
Moriah Jefferson played for the first time this season, checking in with 22 seconds remaining in the first quarter. She finished with one assist in 11 minutes.