The FSM Essential Game Recap: Aces vs Mystics - Game 3

Aces vs Mystics – WNBA Western Conference Semifinals – Game 3

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On Sunday afternoon at the Mandalay Bay Events Center, the Las Vegas Aces came away victorious against the Washington Mystics to force the WNBA Western Conference Semifinal series to a Game 4 with a 92-75 win.

The Aces ignited their flame early. Guard Kelsey Plum, who started for the 2^nd game, initiated the Ace’s fast pace offense early and often. Plum, along with Aja Wilson, who rebounded from a poor game 2 finishing with 21 points, led the way for the Aces in Game 3. Wilson was asked what the Aces learned from the Game 2 loss. “Staying connected, staying in touch, and knowing where the Mystics are at on the floor,” the Aces star said.

The Aces went on a 16-4 run in the last five minutes of the first quarter to trail 24-23. The leading scorers in the first quarter were the WNBA MVP Elena Delle Donne with 12 points, and Aces Center Liz Cambage with 8 points, who got off to a hot start for the Aces shooting 4-5 from the field. Mystics Head Coach Mike Thibault said, “We gotta get the Aces out the paint. We got stuck playing on one side of the court.”

Cambage’s energy and efficiency really brought the Aces to life. Through every period, the Aces played their game and found their footing amongst one another on the court. Before the game, Kelsey Plum said, “I got to get the ball down the court faster because as I’m setting up the offense, I’m allowing Washington to get in position. If I get down quicker, Washington won’t have time to get into place.”

Carolyn Swords connected on a final shot to end the first half with the Aces leading 47-37. Leading scorers for the Aces in the first half were Cambage, Wilson, and Kayla Macbride–all with 12 points.

Everything seemed to be going the Aces’ way in Game 3. The big women for Las Vegas, Wilson & Cambage, were 13-18 combined from the paint. Aja Wilson was taking the Mystics physical defenders to the basket and finishing at the rim all night.

Plum made her first field goal of the game late in the third, but she found ways to make an impact for the team with or without the ball. Plum was playing smart, energetic basketball and had 7 assists by the end of the 3rd quarter, with the Aces leading 79-62.

Aces Head Coach Bill Lambieer once again had issues with his team turning the ball over despite their dominance. The Mystics began to shoot from behind the 3-point line in the attempt to inch back in the game, but it just wasn’t their day. The Aces took Game 3 92-75 to force a Game 4. The Mystics offensive effort was overshadowed by their turnovers and their inability to defend Wilson and Cambage, something they did well in the first two games of the series.

Leading scorers for the Aces were Cambage, tying her career-high with 28 points & 6 rebounds. Mcbride finished with 18 points and 7 rebounds while Wilson scored 21 points and 8 rebounds for the Aces in their win. The Mystics were led by the MVP Delle Donne with 22 points and 6 rebounds and Kristi Toliver with 14 points.

 

The Aces host Game 4 of the WNBA Semifinals tomorrow night at the Mandalay Bay Events Center. The winner of this series will take on the Connecticut Sun in the WNBA Finals.

 

Aniea Collins

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