FSM Essential Recap: Aces vs Storm - Game 10 - 2023

FSM Essential Recap: Aces vs Storm – Game 10 – 2023

Franchise Sports Media

Las Vegas Aces (9-1) | Seattle Storm (2-7)

 

The Las Vegas Aces got back on track, continuing their domination with a 96-63 victory over the Seattle Storm.

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

Jackie Young’s talent was on full display for the Las Vegas Aces, as she scored 28 points (12-of-18 FGs, 4-for-7 3s).

Young’s 28 points are the second-most by a player who did not attempt a free throw in Aces’ franchise history. Becky Hammon owns the record with 30 points against the Phoenix Mercury on August 22nd, 2010.

A’ja Wilson had 14 points (5-of-9 FGs, 4-of-6 FTs), 12 rebounds, and two steals. Kelsey Plum added 19 points (7-of-12 FGs, 3-for-5 3s) and four assists. Kierstan Bell came off the bench in the fourth quarter and contributed 12 points (5-of-8 FGs, 2-for-5 3s) and three rebounds.

Wilson scored in double figures for the 34th consecutive regular season game, which is the third-longest active streak in the WNBA and is also now the fifth-longest streak in Aces’ franchise history.

The Aces handled business against the Storm

In addition, Wilson’s double-double was the 60th of her career, which is tied for 18th all-time on the WNBA career double-doubles list.

The start of the Aces vs Storm first half. 

For the Seattle Storm, Ezi Magbegor led the way with 23 points (9-of-17 FGs, 0-for-2 3s, 5-of-8 FTs) and 11 rebounds. Jewell Loyd had 17 points (7-of-18 FGs, 3-for-8 3s), while Ivana Dojkic finished with 16 points (6-of-14 FGs, 2-for-7 3s) and three assists.

Unfortunately for the Storm, Seattle’s bench combined for just one point, courtesy of Arella Guirantes by a free throw. The Storm’s reserves also combined for 0-of-7 from the field and 0-for-5 from distance.

All the while, Las Vegas’ bench outscored Seattle’s 20-1.

Despite the lopsided result, it was a close one early, as the Aces and Storm were tied 17-17 after the first quarter. Seattle managed to score seven points off of six Aces turnovers. 

Seattle stayed with it by halftime, only trailing 47-37 at the intermission. Las Vegas went on a 14-2 run during the final 2:34 before the end of the second quarter to take their biggest lead of the game at that point.

The end of the Aces vs Storm first half. 

Young, Plum, and Wilson had all scored in double figures by the end of the first half as Las Vegas shot 56 percent from the field.

The start of the Aces vs Storm second half. 

Overall, the Aces finished the game 55.7 percent from the field as a unit, which tied for the second-highest field goal percentage in a WNBA game this season.

Seattle cut the gap to as few as eight points in the third quarter and trailed 59-51 with 3:39 to play. However, Las Vegas’ defense held the Storm to 0-of-4 from the field, while their offense finished the quarter on an 8-1 run for a 15-point lead. Young was 5-of-9 from the field in the period, including 2-of-4 from beyond the arc, totaling 12 points.

The Aces entered the game leading the league in scoring (91.3 points per game), steals (nine steals per game), and field goal percentage (49.3 percent), however, they surpassed their season averages after ending the contest with 96 points, 10 steals, and 55.7 percent shooting.

Las Vegas completely outworked the Storm, as they outscored Seattle 50-30 in the paint and 10-4 on second-chance points, yet Seattle held a 17-14 advantage in transition points.

The Aces have now scored at least 90 points in eight of their 10 games so far this season.

Riquna Williams has yet to make her season debut, as Williams once again did not dress for the Aces due to a nagging lower back injury.

Looking ahead, Las Vegas prevailed 94-73 against their next opponent, the Minnesota Lynx earlier this season. Young scored a game-high 23 points in that contest and Chelsea Gray notched a double-double with 19 points and 10 assists. While Napheesa Collier scored a team-high 21 points for the Lynx.

The final score of the Aces vs Storm was 96-63, Aces.

The Aces will now take on the Minnesota Lynx on Sunday, June 18th, at 6:00 PST.

 

– Jake Ideguchi-Furukawa – Franchise Sports Media

Follow Jake on Twitter @jguchi_

Follow Jake on Instagram @jguchi_

Follow The Franchise on social media

Twitter

Instagram

Facebook

YouTube