Young Gives Aces the Win: Las Vegas to WNBA Semifinals

Las Vegas Aces Advance to WNBA Semifinals

In an exciting match that kept fans on the edge of their seats, the Las Vegas Aces secured a crucial 74-73 victory against the Seattle Storm, ensuring their place in the WNBA semifinals. A’ja Wilson proved her worth once more, scoring almost all the important shots her team needed to secure the victory. However, on a missed shot, Jackie Young was in the right place at the right time. With the score showing a one-point disadvantage and only 15.1 seconds remaining on the clock, Wilson’s jump shot bounced off the rim. Young, with a perfect read of the game, grabbed the rebound and scored before falling, making the difference with 12.4 seconds to play.

She knew she couldn’t go down with the ball before shooting because she was surrounded by taller Seattle players and was sure they would block it.

Jackie Young

Wilson tied his playoff career-high with 38 points in the victory, leading the second-seeded Aces to the WNBA semifinals, where they will face the sixth-seeded Indiana Fever. Game 1 will be played in Las Vegas on Sunday. Las Vegas coach Becky Hammon praised Young, who finished with 14 points, highlighting her ability to read the game and make key plays. After the Aces defeated Seattle 102-77 in the first game of the series, few expected a third game. However, the Storm extended the series with an 86-83 victory in Seattle on Tuesday, ending the Aces’ 17-game winning streak. On Thursday, the Storm almost ended the Aces’ season. Erica Wheeler had an open opportunity from the free throw line with 5 seconds remaining, but the ball bounced off the rim. Skylar Diggins fought for the rebound and passed the ball to Gabby Williams, who couldn’t shoot before the buzzer sounded. A game that had only two lead changes in the first 38 minutes and 45 seconds had four in the final 75 seconds. The frantic finish sparked a raucous celebration at the Michelob Ultra Arena. However, as Wilson said, the work is far from over. The Aces advanced to the WNBA semifinals for a seventh consecutive season and are seeking their third league championship. “It will simply come down to us playing our way and the right way,” Wilson said. The Aces didn’t do it often enough earlier this season. They were 14-14 on August 2, but then didn’t lose again until Tuesday. Las Vegas faced Indiana once in June, a win, and then twice in July, both losses.

They haven’t seen the real Aces yet. They found us when we were in a bit of trouble.

Becky Hammon

Hammon referred to the Aces’ 81-54 loss to the Fever on July 3. “They beat us in one of those [games]. I know everyone is super excited for tonight, and I am too, but I have to put our helmets on and prepare these girls for what’s coming.”