By Shawn McCullough
The Aces played their first game of the season in Las Vegas, beating the Los Angeles Sparks 97-69 at Michelob Ultra Arena at Mandalay Bay.
Las Vegas got balance scoring from its starting lineup with five players in double digits, led by former Sparks guard Chelsea Gray with 18 points.
“Once we got on a court, it’s team against team,” said Gray. “As a competitor, you want to win against the team that you left.”
Center Liz Cambage record a double-double, scoring 11 points and grabbing 10 rebounds, while A’ja Wilson, Jackie Young and Dearica Hamby each added 17 points.
“That’s who we are,” said head coach Bill Laimbeer on the team’s balance scoring. “We have so many weapons offensively. You can’t set your defense for any one player.”
In her third season in the WNBA, Jackie Young continues to improve her game.
“I am just trying to do whatever I can to help my team win,” said Young.
In the first three games of the season, A’ja Wilson is averaging 19.7 points per game.
“Three games in, I am please of where we are so far, but we still have a long ways to go,” said Wilson.
With the win, the Aces improved to 2-1 on the season heading into their next game on Sunday against the Connecticut Sun at Mandalay Bay.
Las Vegas Aces – http://aces.wnba.com
Game Notes:
- The Aces shot 53.2% from the field, while holding Los Angeles to just 36.5%.
- Las Vegas out-rebounded the Sparks 44-28.
- Guard Kelsey Plum missed her first of likely six games while away playing for USA Basketball’s 3 on 3 team.
Game Starters:
F – 22 A’ja Wilson
F – 3 Riquna Williams
C – 8 Liz Cambage
G – 0 Jackie Young
G – 12 Chelsea Gray
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