FSM Essential Recap: Aces vs Lynx - Game 21 - 2022

FSM Essential Recap: Aces vs Lynx – Game 21 – 2022

Franchise Sports Media

Las Vegas Aces (15-6)  |  Minnesota Lynx (7-15)

The Las Vegas Aces caught a 102-71 beatdown by the Minnesota Lynx on Sunday afternoon, which prevented the now-slumping Aces from putting together back-to-back wins for the first time since mid-June. Vegas never led in this one and watched a spirited Minnesota team jump on them early and cruise to a 31-point victory. The Aces have now fallen to second place in the WNBA standings.

Executing X’s and O’s, having star talent, and building team chemistry are among the most critical factors in winning basketball games. But sometimes, it’s as simple as displaying effort and playing with heart and energy, which were very clearly things that the Las Vegas Aces lacked on Sunday afternoon in Minneapolis. You can chalk the result up to a couple of things.

1. Fatigue – Sunday marked the Aces‘ fourth game in seven days and the last of a four-game road trip that took them throughout the nation. It is easy to understand that their legs probably weren’t there, and by the time they went down big, it would be hard to overcome.
2. Minnesota seeking revenge – The Lynx had already played Las Vegas three times this season and suffered losses in each matchup. The first was by six points, then by one, and then six points again just two nights before their 102-71 win on Sunday. And frankly, it seemed as though they said, “enough is enough,” and decided to come out of the gates with energy.

Regardless of how you break it down, the Aces were out-efforted, out-classed, and out-played in a way they hadn’t been all season long.

Out-played and out-classed on the scoreboard — Minnesota held Las Vegas to just 71 points on Sunday. The Aces came into the game averaging 90 points per game, and their total on Sunday was the lowest of the season. But, conversely, the defense was also absent. Las Vegas allowed the Lynx to score a season-high 102 points thanks to a career-best 32 points by Minnesota guard Aerial Powers, who set the tone from the jump.

Las Vegas was out-efforted all over the court, most easily seen in the rebounding department. The Lynx doubled up the Aces, grabbing 52 to Las Vegas‘ 26 and pulling down 15 on the offensive end. Honestly, such a dominating performance on the glass was fitting for the postgame occasion: the Lynx retiring Rebekkah Brunson‘s jersey — one of the WNBA‘s all-time great rebounders.

JACKI3 has arrived 😎@JackieYoung3 // #ALLIN pic.twitter.com/Hina1Bb24s

— Las Vegas Aces (@LVAces) July 3, 2022

Now, having lost four of the last six games, the Aces will have one more opportunity to right the ship before they head into the All-Star break. Perhaps the comfort and familiarity of Michelob ULTRA Arena will provide them the juice they need to get back in the win column and take some momentum into the break.

TOP PERFORMERS:

Kelsey Plum (Aces) – 12 PTS, 5 ASTS, 3/8 3PT

A’ja Wilson (Aces) – 10 PTS, 7 REBS, 1 STL, 1 BLK

Aerial Powers (Lynx) – 32 PTS, 6 REBS, 4 ASTS, 3/7 3PT

Moriah Jefferson (Lynx) – 13 PTS, 6 ASTS, 3 STLS 2/3 3PT

The Aces couldn’t complete the sweep of the Lynx but will now get a couple of days off as they return home from their road trip to prepare for the New York Liberty, who they will face on Wednesday, June 6th. You can watch the game on CBS Sports Network at 7:00 pm PST before checking back with us after the game for a recap and analysis.

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-Cole Huff– Franchise Sports Media