A’ja Wilson delivered another dominant performance, but Las Vegas could not close out Chicago.
Sydney Taylor hit a 3-pointer with 0.9 seconds left, lifting the Sky to an 84-83 win Saturday at Wintrust Arena. Wilson finished with 36 points and 12 rebounds, while Jackie Young added 18 points and 11 rebounds.
The Aces led by 13 and controlled most of the game. However, Chicago won the fourth quarter 29-18 and turned 17 Las Vegas turnovers into 18 points.
Before the game, coach Becky Hammon stressed the importance of energy during the early start.
“I’m more concerned with juice and effort than game plan, honestly,” Hammon said. “Give me that, and we’ll be all right.”
Young spark
Young steadied Las Vegas after a sloppy start. She scored 10 points, grabbed six rebounds and added two assists as the Aces took a 20-16 lead.
The game was tied at 9 before Young and Jewell Loyd hit 3-pointers during a 9-2 push. NaLyssa Smith then scored inside and forced a late turnover.
Las Vegas committed four turnovers, but its defense created six Chicago giveaways. Wilson and Smith also combined for three of the Aces’ four blocks.
Grinding through
Las Vegas struggled to find rhythm and committed six turnovers in the second quarter. Still, Wilson scored nine points in the period and helped the Aces protect the lead.
Kierstan Bell returned for the first time since July 11 and blocked Kamilla Cardoso at the rim. Chelsea Gray added four assists by halftime, while Young hit another 3-pointer.
Chicago won the quarter 21-20, but Las Vegas carried a 40-37 lead into halftime.
Wilson lift
Wilson scored 13 points in the third quarter as Las Vegas created separation. Her 14-foot turnaround jumper with 2:56 left moved her past Sylvia Fowles for 13th on the WNBA’s all-time scoring list.
Young recorded her first points-rebounds double-double of the season. Las Vegas also held Chicago to 18 points in the quarter.
The Aces won the period 25-18 and carried a 65-55 lead into the fourth.
Last-second sting
Chicago erased a 10-point deficit and tied the game at 72 with 4:39 left. Wilson answered with six straight Las Vegas points, but the Sky kept pushing.
Gray’s second field goal put the Aces ahead 80-79. Later, Wilson forced a turnover, split two free throws and scored off Gray’s inbound pass for an 83-81 lead with 3.2 seconds left.
However, Taylor buried the winning 3-pointer with 0.9 seconds remaining. She finished with 29 points as Chicago denied Las Vegas a season sweep.
Up next
The Aces continue their five-game road trip Monday against the Atlanta Dream at State Farm Arena. Tipoff is set for 4 p.m. PT.
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Dice City Sports editor Mark Hebert covers the Las Vegas Aces, Vegas Golden Knights, Las Vegas Raiders, Athletics, and UNLV baseball and softball. He has 24 years of journalism experience, is also a senior reporter at Exhibit City News, and previously covered the Dallas Stars and Texas Rangers. Follow him on X or connect on LinkedIn.
