The Aces defeated the Washington Mystics 88-77 for their fourth straight win, improving their season record to 10-6. With the loss, the Mystics fall to 4-15 on the season.
WWWW!!!!#ALLINLV pic.twitter.com/tc6FCkAtm9
— Las Vegas Aces (@LVAces) June 29, 2024
Aces rally back from double digit deficit
The Aces struggled in the first quarter, falling down by up to 10 points late and closing with a 28-20 deficit. The Aces came out considerably better in the second quarter, trimming the deficit to one at 35-34 midway through. Washington would extend their lead to 11 before the Aces closed the quarter behind by only 6.
A’ja Wilson was kept scoreless at halftime for the first time this season, shooting 0-6 from the floor, but others stepped up for the Aces, with Tiffany Hayes contributing 10 points off the bench and Jackie Young adding 19. Chelsea Gray made her second start in this game and was 4-4 at halftime, with 9 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists. Stefanie Dolson led the Mystics with 14 points in the first half, going 5-5 from the field and 4-4 from three.
The Aces outscored the Mystics in the third quarter, earning their first lead since the first. 60-59 with 4:49 left. Chelsea Gray maintained her strong shooting, scoring 9 points in the quarter. With the Aces down five late in the quarter, Gray drew a foul on a three-point attempt and made all three free throws to get the Aces within two, 69-67, entering the fourth quarter.
The fourth quarter was all Aces, as they outscored the Mystics 21-8 and out-rebounded them 10-4. A’ja Wilson scored 11 points in the second half after opening 0-6 and ending her 20-game scoring streak. The Aces went on to win the game 88-77 and are now 4-0 since Chelsea Gray returned to play. They are also on their longest winning run of the season, at four.
Four Aces scored in double digits, led by Jackie Young’s 26 points on 8-12 shooting, including three three-pointers. Chelsea Gray was big in her second start of the season finishing with 22 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assist. Gray opened the game 6-6 from the field and ended 8-9, including 3-4 from three.
Jackie Young and Chelsea Gray showed out for the Aces ???? pic.twitter.com/7LpBJ2BNT8
— espnW (@espnW) June 29, 2024
Tiffany Hayes came off the bench and scored 17 points while shooting 5-8 from the field. Hayes was also extremely aggressive in getting to the basket, drawing fouls and shooting 5-6 from the free throw line.
A’ja Wilson struggled in the game finishing with 11 points on 4-15 shooting from the field ending her 20 point game streak at 20 games. Wilson made a major effect on the defensive end, with two steals and one block. She also showed off her passing ability when doubled, dishing out five assists.
Stefanie Dolson, who opened the game 5-5 from the field with 14 points, finished 8-11 for 23 points. Myisha Hines-Allen scored 14 points and Ariel Atkins finished with 13, the only other Mystics to reach double digits. Rookie Aliyah Edwards had a strong game for the Mystics off the bench, scoring 9 points and grabbing 7 rebounds.
The Las Vegas Aces return home for a matchup with Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever on July 2nd at T-Mobile Arena. The game will begin at 6.30 p.m. and will be aired live on ESPN.
