RECAP
While fireworks lit up the sky, the Las Vegas Aces put on a show of their own at Michelob ULTRA Arena as they beat the Washington Mystics 98-77 on Thursday night.
"Tonight it [the tight team bond] was infectious," Aces guard Kelsey Plum said. "That's always been the identity and spirit of this is very joyful, very selfless, very loving and I think that's going to continue throughout the year."
Despite the game being tied five times and having 10 lead changes in the first quarter, the Aces stole the momentum from the second quarter on in front of 10,376 fans.
"We're having a lot of fun playing out there," Aces guard Jackie Young said. "We're just getting back to Aces basketball and that was having fun and getting the job done at the same time."
Kelsey Plum recorded the game high of 28 points, A’ja Wilson had 18 points and Jackie Young completed a double-double 20 points and 10 assists.
"My favorite stat of the night was the 31 assists," Aces head coach Becky Hammon said. "The defense is what allows us to get out in space and get some easy ones."
The Aces extend their league-best winning streak to six consecutive victories. Up next, they travel to Los Angeles to face the Spark on Friday at Crypto.com Arena at 7 p.m. on ION.
LIVE UPDATES
FOURTH QUARTER
0:00 - 98-77 Aces extending their winning streak to six consecutive victories
THIRD QUARTER
0:00 - 83-55 Aces
1:29 - Plum with the triple from deep giving the Aces a 30-point lead, 81-51 Vegas
4:25 - Young makes the bucket giving Vegas a 20-point lead, 67-47 Aces
4:55 - Wilson lays it up and in, 65-47 Aces
6:42 - Wilson with the jumper, 59-43 Aces
SECOND QUARTER
0:00 - 48-35 Aces
1:40 - Gray with the shot, 48-31 Aces
4:35 - Megan Gustafson hits the corner three, 38-27 Aces
5:58 - Chelsea Gray connects with Jackie Young cross-court who lays it in, 35-27 Aces
6:32 - Plum drains the three to give Vegas a 5-point lead, 31-26 Aces
7:09 - Plum with the triple, 28-26 Aces
FIRST QUARTER
0:00 - 23-20 Aces with five ties and 10 lead changes
3:33 - Shatori Walker-Kimbrough sinks the three, 15-14 Mystics
4:10 - Plum goes coast to coast for the bucket, 14-9 Aces
PREVIEW
The Las Vegas Aces have been on a roll winning their last five games which is tied for the longest active winning streak in the WNBA, and they plan to keep it going at home against the Washington Mystics on Thursday night.
The back-to-back world champions have won their last five games by double figures.
Though she hasn't been a leading scorer, a key reason behind the consecutive victories is the "point gawd," Chelsea Gray being back in the lineup.
The Aces beat the Mystics in their most recent match up 88-77 on Saturday, June 29 however, Washington has defeated Vegas the last four of six competitions.
The Aces and the Mystics tip off at Michelob ULTRA Arena at 7 p.m.
