Las Vegas Aces Start Playoffs with a Convincing Victory
The Las Vegas Aces continue their impressive streak, securing their seventeenth consecutive victory at the start of their WNBA playoff run. With a score of 102-77, the Aces dominated the Seattle Storm, demonstrating their power on the court. One more victory would tie the league record, securing their place in the WNBA semifinals for a seventh consecutive season. However, the team’s focus is on the ultimate goal: the championship.A’ja Wilson, Aces star, downplayed the streak, focusing on the present. The record of 18 consecutive victories belongs to the 2001 Los Angeles Sparks, led by Lisa Leslie, who won the WNBA title that year. Wilson, who could win his fourth MVP award this season, had an outstanding performance with 29 points, 8 rebounds, 3 steals, 2 assists, and 2 blocks on Sunday. This performance marked his eleventh consecutive playoff game with at least 15 points and five rebounds, tying Leslie for second in league history. Additionally, Wilson moved up to tenth place on the WNBA playoffs scoring list, with 878 points in 44 postseason games. She could surpass Hall of Famer Seimone Augustus in Game 2 of this best-of-three series. Wilson’s dominance was complemented by the performance of her teammates. Jackie Young contributed 18 points, 7 assists, 5 rebounds, and 4 steals. NaLyssa Smith, who joined the Aces on June 30, contributed 11 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 blocks, strengthening the team’s defense. The Aces’ bench also played a crucial role, scoring 34 points, with 14 from Jewell Loyd. After setting a WNBA record of 22 three-pointers in the regular season, the Aces made 14 on Sunday. Las Vegas maintains a 7-0 record in first-round playoff games since Hammon took over as coach in 2022, the year the Aces won their first title. At halftime, the Aces led 45-25, while the Storm tied the franchise record for fewest points in a playoff half. Although Seattle improved in the second half, they couldn’t diminish the Aces’ lead. To extend the series, the Storm need to break the Aces’ momentum, which has been growing since their winning streak began on August 3. Game 2 in Seattle could be key. Last season, under the playoff format, the Storm were swept in Las Vegas. However, playing at home doesn’t guarantee success for the Storm, who had a 10-12 home record.It’s the first one in nine wins, that’s how we want to approach it.
Becky Hammon, Aces coach
Our fans deserve for us to play well. We have to find a way to do it, no matter what. That will be the test on Tuesday.
Nneka Ogwumike, from Seattle
