and 13 rebounds in a 94-85 victory over the Los Angeles Sparks on Thursday,
May 25. 2023 (Courtesy Photo)
Jackie Young scored a career-high 30 points, A’ja Wilson added 19 points and 13 rebounds and the Las Vegas Aces captured a 94-85 victory over the Los Angeles Sparks on Thursday night at Crypto.com Arena.
Las Vegas improved to 2-0 on the season, remaining undefeated while Aces coach Becky Hammon served a two-game suspension. Los Angeles dropped to 1-1 on the year.
The defending champion Aces had four players finish in double-digits as former Sparks forwards Chelsea Gray had 16 points and eight assists while Candace Parker added 10 points and eight
rebounds.
Nneka Ogwumike was unable to play for the Sparks due to a non-COVID illness. Chiney Ogwumike instead led Los Angeles with 19 points, also adding eight rebounds, three assists, two blocks, and two steals. Dearica Hamby and Jordin Canada added 11 points apiece for LA.
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The Aces ultimately committed a season-high 20 turnovers which led to 22 points for the Sparks but Las Vegas was still able to out rebound Los Angeles 37-30.
“We’re players that play with heart and fight,” Ogwumike said.
Los Angeles jumped out to an early 25-15 lead in the first period, forcing Las Vegas into five turnovers. Lexie Brown scored 10 of her 15 points in the first, shooting 4-for-4 from the field, also adding five assists and three steals.
The Sparks led 46-36 at halftime but the Aces caught fire in the third when they went on to make 12-of-16 shots to outscore LA 31-17 after Wilson had eight points in the period to help take a 67-63 lead heading into the fourth.
“I thought we did a lot of good things but credit to the Aces and the champions they are,” said Sparks coach Curt Miller. “That lineup just kept coming at us in that third quarter and we’d like some of those possessions back.”
Young made three 3-pointers in the fourth and Gray converted a jumper late that stretched the Aces lead to 89-79 with 1:30 remaining as Las Vegas picked up a 94-85 victory.
“Just going up against Vegas, it’s going to bring out the best in you, going to challenge you and we love those opportunities,” Ogwumike said.
