A’ja Wilson and Jackie Young propel the Aces to the WNBA Semifinals
In an exciting match that kept fans on the edge of their seats, the Las Vegas Aces secured their spot in the WNBA semifinals with a crucial victory over the Seattle Storm. The final score of 74-73 reflects the intensity of the game, where every possession was vital. A’ja Wilson, with a stellar performance, led the Aces with 38 points, tying her playoff career high. However, it was Jackie Young who became the hero of the decisive moment. With time running out and the Aces down by one point, Wilson’s shot bounced off the rim. Young, displaying a perfect reading of the game, grabbed the rebound and scored before touching the ground, putting his team in the lead with only 12.4 seconds remaining.The game, which had few lead changes for most of regulation, saw four lead changes in the final 75 seconds. The excitement was palpable at the Michelob Ultra Arena, where fans celebrated enthusiastically. The Aces will face the Indiana Fever in the WNBA semifinals, seeking their third league championship. The first game will be played in Las Vegas. After a season start with ups and downs, the Aces achieved an impressive streak before Tuesday’s defeat, demonstrating their ability to adapt and grow. “They haven’t seen the real Aces yet. They caught us at a time of instability,” Hammon said, referring to the loss to the Fever in July. “I know everyone is very excited for tonight, and I am too, but we have to put our helmets on and prepare these girls for what’s coming.”“We have been emphasizing the importance of attacking the boards, and Jack was in the right place at the right time with that play. Jackie is a basketball player. She knows how to make plays, how to move without the ball. She knows how to make things happen,” commented Las Vegas coach Becky Hammon about Young, who finished with 14 points.
Becky Hammon, Las Vegas Coach
