The Las Vegas Aces come out top in a battle for the top seed against the Seattle Storm. Las Vegas secured an 86-84 win over Seattle in Sunday’s winner takes all matchup. The Aces didn’t have a strong start to the game. They trailed behind Seattle for the entire first quarter, going only 5-14 from field goal range, 2-6 in 3-point range, and finishing the quarter with a 7-point deficit. Despite their slow start, Las Vegas kicked up the intensity in the 2nd quarter, led by their MVP contender A’ja Wilson and Danielle Robinson they gained some much-needed buckets in the right moments and pulled ahead of Seattle, finishing the half at 46-44.
Jewel Lloyd was explosive in the third quarter, scoring 19 points in the quarter, going 3-5 in field goal, only 1-2 in 3-point range. Lloyd proved to be troublesome for the Aces defense, making it to the line 5 times and going 10-11 from the line. Llyod’s tremendous efforts rewarded her with 30 points and the end of the game, and Seattle managed to secure the 2-point lead over the Aces going into the fourth quarter. Unfortunately, all of Jewel Lloyd’s hard work was not enough to give them victory.
Despite having played just 24 hours ago, the Aces managed to come out with enough tenacity, toughness, and perseverance to earn the win and the top seed for their team. Namely, Dearica Hamby and A’ja Wilson brought the ferocity needed to finish the game effectively. A’ja Wilson finished Sunday’s game with 23 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 assists; going 9-18 from FG range and 5-8 from the line. Her teammate, and worthy contender for 6th man of the year, Dearica Hamby, accomplished a season-high in points with 23 points, 6 assists, and 7 rebounds. She also attained a career-high in assists and 3s made, going 4-6 from 3-point range.
Aces now clinch the top seed heading into the playoffs.
