FSM Essential Recap: Aces vs Mystics - Game 37 - 2023

FSM Essential Recap: Aces vs Mystics – Game 37 – 2023

Franchise Sports Media

Las Vegas Aces (31-6) | Washington Mystics (17-19)

 

The Las Vegas Aces held on to defeat the Washington Mystics, 84-75, avoiding what would’ve been their first three-game losing streak under Becky Hammon.

The Aces vs Mystics played at the Michelob ULTRA Arena on Thursday.

The Las Vegas Aces defeated the Washington Mystics for just the second time in Becky Hammon’s tenure as head coach.

“Being great every night is hard,” Hammon said. “It’s hard, and they work their butts off every night to put on a great show every night. We’re spoiled watching their greatness.”

A’ja Wilson led the way for Las Vegas in the win, totaling 26 points (10-of-14 FGs, 5-of-5 FTs), 11 rebounds, and four blocks. With her perfect charity stripe performance, Wilson became the franchise leader in made free throws.

Also for the Aces, Chelsea Gray added 21 points (7-of-13 FGs, 3-of-6 3s, 4-of-4 FTs) and two steals, while Kelsey Plum notched a double-double with 12 points (3-of-6 FGs, 2-of-3 3s, 4-of-6 FTs) and ten assists.

“For me, I’m better than what I’ve shown for the last seven or eight games,” Plum said. “We’ve had some slippages, and I feel like a lot of that is on me because I have to play the right way.”

More contributions for Las Vegas, as Alysha Clark came off the bench, contributing 11 points (3-of-9 FGs, 2-of-5 3s, 3-of-4 FTs) and seven rebounds. However, Jackie Young was held to a season-low seven points (3-of-11 FGs, 1-of-6 3s), which is just the second time this season she’s scored in single digits.

The Aces handled business against the Mystics 

Veteran guard Sydney Colson cracked the rotation in this one for Las Vegas, finishing with four points (2-of-5 FGs, 0-of-3 3s) and two steals in eight minutes of play.

It was the start of the Aces vs Mystics first half. 

Hammon said that Colson brings a veteran mindset and good ball pressure to the team as the Aces try to continue to get more minutes and production from their reserves.

“She made fun things happen on the court,” Hammon said.

Colson has provided value on the court recently, as she scored six points in eight minutes of play against the Liberty this past Monday after Plum got into foul trouble, and Hammon praised Colson for her play.

Elena Delle Donne couldn’t carry the offensive load for the Mystics, as she only finished with 17 points (7-of-14 FGs).

Brittney Sykes did all she could to pick up the slack with 16 points (5-of-14 FGs, 2-of-6 3s), seven rebounds, and five assists, and Natasha Cloud wasn’t much help either with just 12 points (5-of-14 FGs, 0-of-4 3s) and five assists.

Wilson, who became the fifth WNBA player and third this year to score 800 points in a season, joining the Seattle Storm’s Jewell Loyd and the New York Liberty’s Breanna Stewart, helped get Las Vegas off to a quick start by making six of her first seven shots.

It was a solid first half for the Aces as Wilson totaled 19 points and Gray had 13 points, giving Las Vegas a 10-point lead entering halftime. The Aces defense held Washington to 29.4 percent shooting and 16.7 percent from distance.

The end of the Aces vs Mystics first half. 

Plum made an impact on this game even with just scoring one point in her first 18 minutes of play, dishing out five assists and acquiring a steal and a rebound.

The start of the Aces vs Mystics second half. 

The Aces allowed the Mystics to take the lead in the third period briefly. However, Clark made some huge baskets down the stretch, placing Las Vegas back in front. 

Clark had six of her 11 total points, all in the third quarter, helping to hold off a huge run by Washington. Wilson is up to 23

Candace Parker was in attendance, wearing a full boot as she is still rehabbing from surgery on her fractured left foot. The two-time WNBA MVP hasn’t traveled with the team recently, and Hammon didn’t have any significant updates or a timeline for Parker’s potential return.

“We certainly miss her,” Hammon said. “And her professional approach.”

The final score of the Aces vs Mystics was 84-75, Aces.

The Aces will now take on the Seattle Storm on Saturday, September 2nd, at 6:00 PM PST.

 

– Jake Ideguchi-Furukawa – Franchise Sports Media

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