GAME RECAP
The Las Vegas Aces’ 104-85 win against the Dallas Wings on Sunday at Michelob ULTRA Arena showcased much more than just a dominating performance by the two-time world champions.
“It’s very special and will be one for the books for me,” Aces center A’ja Wilson said after the game.
“That means a lot it really does, but I have to always give it to the ones who laid the foundation down before me.” - A’ja Wilson on becoming the @LVAces all-time leading scorer in front of 45+ alum today. @_ajawilson22 @KTNV @WNBA #WNBA pic.twitter.com/iRk7efeHgh
— Alex Eschelman (@alexeschelman) July 8, 2024
The star center became the franchise’s new all-time leading scorer recording 4,301 career points and counting, surpassing Sophia Young-Malcolm’s record set through her nine seasons with the San Antonio Silver Stars.
“She’s [Wilson] is the greatest player to ever put on the uniform,” Aces head coach Becky Hammon said.
Wilson recorded 28 points in Sunday’s outing with guard Kelsey Plum behind her scoring 23 points in front of 10,369 fans including more than 45 alum and Raiders favorite Maxx Crosby.
“The Point Gawd” Chelsea Gray also put up 12 points at the Aces’ 12th straight sold out game. While the team commonly describes her as the rock of the team, Gray gave praise to Wilson’s generational talent that's been a difference maker especially this season.
“I really want to emphasize sometimes in sports we don’t take the time to celebrate somebody that’s doing greatness in the moment while they’re in the season,” Gray said. “Fans understanding you’re coming to see somebody who’s going to be in the hall of fame soon, so I would just emphasize celebrating that as she continues to get better and break records as well.”
A great Q by @WillieGRamirez that lead to a powerful quote by Chelsea Gray talking about the importance of embracing A’ja Wilson’s accomplishments in present time.
— Alex Eschelman (@alexeschelman) July 8, 2024
“One thing I really want to emphasize sometimes in sports is we don’t take the time to celebrate somebody who’s… pic.twitter.com/cKbLbZNcyS
Vegas has a three-game road trip next starting in Seattle to face the Storm on Wednesday.
LIVE UPDATES
FOURTH PERIOD
0:00 - 104-85 Aces
6:12 - Young with the and-one, 89-75 Aces
THIRD PERIOD
0:00 - 77-65 Aces
6:06 - Jackie Young scores on back-to-back possessions, 67-53 Aces
7:11 - Clark with the triple, 63-50 Aces
8:31 - Alysha Clark getting buckets on her birthday capping off a 7-point run to start the 2nd half, 60-48
SECOND PERIOD
0:00 - 51-48 Aces
52.1 - Jacy Sheldon turns defense into offense to tie upt the game at 48
2:27 - Game was tied at the 4-minute mark, but Aces go on a run scoring 6-points in a 1:30 time span, 46-40 Aces
6:52 - Natasha Howard with the bucket, tied at 33
8:02 - Monique Billings with the jumper to tie up the game at 31
FIRST PERIOD
0:00 - 27-25 Dallas
3:09 - Odyssey Sims with the layup, tied game at 20
4:32 - Arike Ogunbowale goes 2 for 3 from the line to tie up the game at 15
PREVIEW
The Las Vegas Aces host the Dallas Wings on Sunday with the hopes of redeeming themselves after their six-game winning streak came to an end on Friday after losing to the Los Angeles Sparks on the road.
However, the two-time world champions have A’ja Wilson who recorded her sixth 30+ point game against the Sparks which is tied for most in the WNBA this season. The MVP favorite also currently leads the league in scoring averaging nearly 27 points per game and blocked shots averaging over two per outing.
Vegas has won the last six competitions against Dallas and the two tip off at Michelob ULTRA Arena at noon.
