FSM Essential Recap: Aces vs Lynx - Game 29

FSM Essential Recap: Aces vs. Lynx – Game 29

Franchise Sports Media

Las Vegas Aces (21-8) | Minnesota Lynx (18-10)

 

 

The Las Vegas Aces entered Wednesday night’s game up just one game in the loss column over the Lynx, who own the tiebreaker on the season. The game had a lot of added hype to it, given the circumstances, but the Aces controlled the game from the first quarter on and earned a crucial win in the end.

 

RECAP:

 

Sylvia Fowles and Napheesa Collier got the Minnesota Lynx out to an early 10-4 lead over the Aces in one of the season’s most important games. But Las Vegas followed with a 9-2 run that was keyed by Riquana Williams, who continued to provide scoring across these opening quarters.

The Aces converted consecutive three-point plays before Dearcia Hamby converted on a layup in her first action in over two games. The lead seesawed back and forth for the remainder of the quarter, with Napheesa Collier leading all scorers with nine. The second quarter ended even at 27.

Las Vegas gained some separation on the scoreboard thanks to some early-quarter offense from Kelsey Plum, who continues to have a career season in her return from injury. Dearica Hamby knocked down a three from near the top of the arc, and a disgruntled Cheryl Reeve burned a timeout.

Aerial Powers drained a three from the wing to cut the Aces’ lead to three, but another Vegas run (17-4) ensued to push their lead to 16. Reigning Rookie of the Year Crystal Dangerfield’s three ended the run before the quarter’s end, but the Aces went into the half with a 55-41 lead.

In her second appearance at Michelob Ultra since leaving the Aces, Kayla McBride quickly cut four points off the Vegas lead to make it a 10-point game. The Lynx’s momentum out of half was short-lived, though, as Jackie Young returned the favor with eight straight points to build the Vegas lead back up to 16.

Aerial Powers scored the next six for Minnesota in an attempt to keep the game close, but another Las Vegas and-one briefly put a hold on the comeback. Powers put in one more bucket as time expired, leaving them in a 15-point hole entering the final quarter of play.

The fourth began with Powers picking up where she left off in the third. Her scoring ignited a Minnesota run that cut their deficit to single-digits for the first time all half. Yet, for every Lynx run, Jackie Young was there to restore order. Dearica Hamby and Chelsea Gray scored on consecutive possessions to build the lead up to twenty, which would be enough to put the Aces in cruise control for the remainder of the game. Jackie Young scored her 29th point down the stretch, giving her a new career-high as the Aces rolled to a 102-81 win.

 

POSITIVES:

 

Riquna Williams’ Offense – Statistically, Riquna Williams’ stats are pretty consistent throughout the season, but it just feels like she’s been much more aggressive as of late. Her first-quarter scoring is something significant, especially with the injuries and fatigue post the Olympic break.

The #POINTGAWDDDDD finds the M’VP@cgray209 // @_ajawilson22 pic.twitter.com/VLyLVb1m4w

— Las Vegas Aces (@LVAces) September 9, 2021

Paint Defense – After allowing 54 points in the paint last game against the Lynx, Vegas held Minnesota to only 30 this time around.

 

NEGATIVES:

None – There was hardly anything bad that was worth mentioning in the win. Vegas rose to the occasion and dominated a team that had bullied them all season long.

 

 

The Aces are off until Monday, September 13th when they host the Dallas Wings. Tune into NBATV at 12:00 p.m. PST to follow the action live, and make sure to catch the next recap here at Franchise Sports Media.

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