Palmetto, FL (September 1, 2020)—The Las Vegas Aces (12-4) had their four-game winning streak snapped Tuesday evening, as Diana Taurasi errupted for 32 points in leading the Phoenix Mercury (10-7) to a 92-85 victory over the Aces. The loss drops Las Vegas a game back of the front running Seattle Storm (13-3) and into a tie for second place with the Los Angeles Sparks (12-4).
KEY RUNS
First Quarter (Phoenix 27, Las Vegas 26)
The Mercury scored the first seven points of the game, but the Aces countered by scoring 16 of the next 24 to take their first lead 16-15.
Second Quarter (Phoenix 52, Las Vegas 45)
Las Vegas led 39-36 with 4:25 to go in the period, but the Mercury went on a 9-2 run thanks to three three-pointers.
Third Quarter (Phoenix 73, Las Vegas 64)
Las Vegas scored the first three points of the quarter, but Phoenix score 11 of the next 13 to go up 13, 63-50.
Fourth Quarter (Phoenix 92, Las Vegas 85)
The Aces scored the first four points of the quarter, and 6 of the first 7 to cut the Mercury advantage to four, 74-70. Phoenix scored 14 of the next 20 points to push their lead back to 12, 88-76..
KEY STATS
It has been 172 days since Breonna Taylor was murdered.
Phoenix went 14 for 32 from three-point range, while Las Vegas went 3 for 10
Las Vegas outscored Phoenix 46 to 22 in the paint
The Aces outscored the Mercury 20 to 7 on second chance points
GAME NOTES
A’ja Wilson scored in double figures for the 16th straight game to start the season, the 24th straight game dating back to last year, and the 72nd time in her 74 games as a pro (17 points). She added 10 rebounds for her 6th double-double of the year, and 19th of her career.
Jackie Young scored a career-high 20 points. It was her 8th double-digit scoring effort of the season, and the 15th of her career.
Kayla McBride scored in double figures for the 11th time this season, and the 144th time in her professional career (14 points).
Dearica Hamby scored in double figures for the 14th time this season and the 77th time in her career (18 points). She added 13 rebounds for her 4th double-double of the season and 14th of her career.
Diana Taurasi’s 32 points are the most the Aces have allowed this season.
Las Vegas’ bench outscored its starters 46 to 39.
The Mercury’s 12 blocked shots are the second highest total ever by an Aces’ opponent.
NEXT OPPONENT
Las Vegas hits the road this Thursday to take on the Connecticut Sun at 8 pm ET/5 pm PT on MyLVTV.