FSM Essential Recap: Aces Vs Sun - WNBA Finals - Game 4

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Photo Credit: Las Vegas Aces

FSM Essential Recap: Aces vs Sun – WNBA Finals – Game 4

Las Vegas Aces (3-1) | Connecticut Sun (1-3)

The Las Vegas Aces bounced back in a huge way from their Game 3 performance by defeating the Connecticut Sun by a score of 78-71; securing them their first WNBA title in franchise history

RECAP:

The Las Vegas Aces were looking to get back on track after their game 2 performance against the Connecticut Sun. It was a hard-fought battle on both ends of the floor. Neither of these teams has ever won a WNBA title nor have their states had a professional championship team. But both squads did not disappoint to entertain a nearly packed-out crowd at Mohegan Sun Arena.

The first quarter for the Sun didn’t go exactly as planned. After jumping out to a 6-4 lead. The Sun would go scoreless for nearly 6 minutes. All the while the Aces would go on a 12-0 run. Until DeWanna Bonner was able to make a layup; ending the drought and beginning their own 9-0 run which would leak into the second quarter.

Both teams were playing aggressively on defense as the Aces set the tone early on and the Sun responded in a big way. Despite that, the score at halftime read, 30-28; with the Aces ahead. The Sun only scored 28 points which tied for the lowest points scored by any team in any half this postseason.

The first half for the Sun was highlighted by Jonquel Jones. She started the game off slow and didn’t score until the 2:19 mark of the second quarter. But she controlled the glass and the paint. Finishing the half with 5 rebounds. Including a huge block on A’ja Wilson. For the Aces, Jackie Young was wheeling and dealing. Dishing out 6 of her 8 assists of the night in the first half.

The second half became a slightly different story.

As the Aces cleaned things up. They didn’t commit a single turnover in the third quarter while the Sun coughed it up 6 times. Jones also got into foul trouble. Acquiring her fourth and last personal foul on the night. But it would keep her benched for the start of the fourth quarter.

Kelsey Plum kicked off the fourth quarter making a 12-foot two-point shot. She then came back down and attempted a layup but was rejected by Alyssa Thomas. Off a Chelsea Gray steal, Plum was able to force her third jump ball of the night. Plum despite having 5 turnovers in the first half, was able to turn things around and be a valuable defender down the stretch for the Aces as she finished the game with 3 steals.

Late in the fourth, Young would drive for a layup and get fouled by Bonner. Her fourth out of five fouls on the night. Young would sink both free throws and push the Aces‘ lead to 67-61.

On the next possession, Bonner would be fouled on a 3-point attempt by Plum; who was called for a flagrant 1. Bonner made all three free throws, and 67-64 Aces still lead.

However, this may have been the momentum shift that the Sun was hoping for.

The Sun got the ball back, and Jones didn’t waste any time. Isolating Gray and scoring off a hook-shot to cut the lead to 67-66. A reckless pass leads to an Aces’ turnover and Courtney Williams gets fouled; missing the first free throw, but she makes the second, 67-67 tie game.

The Sun defense clamped down. Forcing the Aces and Wilson to a shot clock violation. That elusive professional title seemed to slowly drift away as the Mohegan Sun Arena erupted.

Williams came back down the court and sunk a pull-up jumper to take the lead, 69-67. Which capped off an 8-0 run for the Sun. However, the Aces‘ had their own Riquna Williams come up huge. She drained a huge 3-pointer to give the lead back to the Aces, 70-69.

R. Williams would make another 3-point shot following two made free throws by Brionna Jones; 73-71 with the Aces in the lead. The Aces‘ defense would then hold up. Preventing the Sun from scoring. R. Williams would continue her late-game takeover with a step-back jumper. Pushing the lead to 75-71.

After a late-game meltdown by Bonner and a Plum-made jump shot, the Aces‘ would finally put away the Sun for good; Winning 78-71.

The moment ❤️🏆#WNBAChampions // #RaiseTheStakes pic.twitter.com/b8BBqeUi6i

— Las Vegas Aces (@LVAces) September 19, 2022

In the end, Gray was named the Finals MVP. It was well-deserved as she was producing all series long. Including her effort tonight which made her one of our top performers of the game.