Game Recap: Las Vegas Aces vs Washington Mystics – Game 1

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The Washington Mystics hosted Game 1 of the Semifinals WNBA Playoffs, competing against The Las Vegas Aces. Aces fans viewed game 1 at a local watch party at Miller’s Ale House. The team appeared to be more than confident despite taking on the league’s number one team, The Washington Mystics. Both squads got off to a great start and did a great job of spreading the floor and keeping consistent ball movement.

The Aces ended the first half leading by three 30-27.

The 3-point line was on fire. Before the half, The Aces were 4-5 from the line as a team. The Mystics shot 5-20. Kelsey Plum was on a buzzer-beating streak, hitting the last shot before the half making the score 57-53. Head Coach Bill Laimbeer, when asked about adjustments needed for the next period replied, “We need to stop turning the ball over and stop allowing second chance shots.”

The Aces rotation has been a topic of conversation throughout the season and they are finding their groove with centers Liz Campage and Aja Wilson. Wilson was asked about the chemistry both Centers share from down low. She said, “We’re just taking what the defense gives us, playing off each other’s game. We’ll mix and match when we have an advantage and take it from there.” During the start of the fourth, The Mystics offense took a leap, going on a 10-2 run, forcing a 12 point lead, the largest lead of the game.

The Aces continued to chip away at the lead, going on a 7-0 run, pulling the deficit to two. Elena Delle Donne had other plans though, constantly bringing the Aces turmoil from behind the line.

With 10 seconds remaining, the Mystics attempted to get another shot off and ice the lead.

The shot was no good and Aces point guard Kelsey Plum put up a floater at the top of the key. As plum began to shoot, Delle Donne forced her upper body against Plum drawing contact. The indisputable foul was committed prior to the buzzer and the referees refused to call it. Coach Bill Laimbeer had reservations about the play, as he called a timeout prior to the buzzer. Laimbeer requested a challenge on the play but the referees declined the request.

It was an incredible scoring night for both franchises. The Mystics always gave the Aces an answer. Leading scorers for the Mystics were Emma Meesseman, scoring 27 points and 10 rebounds and Elena Delle Donne with 24 points and 6 assists. Delle Donne has aligned herself with greats such as Reggie Miller and Dirk Nowitzki and is the first-ever WNBA player to join the 50-40-90 club. Elena averages 19 points a game and 8 rebounds.

Delle Donne worked the Aces from down low and pulled the trigger at the perimeter.

Liz Campage ordered a double-double, scoring 19 points and pulling down 12 rebounds that went well with teammate Kayla “McBuckets” McBride’s 19 points. Derica Hamby added power to her teammates with 9 assists and 16 points. Aja Wilson had herself a night walking off the court with 23 points and 7 rebounds. It was an incredible fight by both teams, and the series is not over. Game 2 of the Semifinals will be played in Washington on Thursday, September 19th at 5:30 CT.

The Mystics set the tone and now the Aces must set the tempo.

 

For Franchise Sports Media, I am Aniea Collins.

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