LAS VEGAS, NV — A’ja Wilson continues to make history while the Las Vegas Aces continue to build momentum toward the WNBA playoffs.
Wilson poured in 30 points Sunday night, Jackie Young added 23 and the Aces pulled away from the Seattle Storm for a convincing 98-77 victory, extending their winning streak to five games.
Wilson’s performance marked the 49th 30-point game of her career, leaving her second on the WNBA’s all-time list behind Diana Taurasi, who has 54. Wilson also did much of her damage at the free-throw line, converting 16 of 18 attempts.
The victory improved Las Vegas to 29-13 and kept the Aces in third place, one game ahead of Atlanta with two regular-season games remaining. The top four teams in the standings will have home-court advantage in the best-of-three opening round of the playoffs.
Seattle, meanwhile, dropped to 8-35 and has now lost 18 of its last 20 games. The Storm’s latest defeat also clinched the league’s worst record for the season.
Seattle did not go quietly.
Rookie Flau’jae Johnson delivered the strongest offensive performance of her young career, knocking down five 3-pointers while scoring a season-high 29 points. Dominique Malonga added 25 points on 10-of-13 shooting, giving the Storm two players who kept Seattle within striking distance for stretches.
But Las Vegas had too much firepower.
Young was particularly effective, shooting 10-for-15 from the field while adding eight assists. Chelsea Gray contributed 15 points as the Aces received production from several key pieces around Wilson.
Young helped establish the tone early.
She scored 12 points during a decisive 21-2 Las Vegas run in the opening quarter, turning a competitive start into a 27-12 Aces advantage with 1:40 remaining in the period.
Seattle managed to respond in the second quarter.
The Storm twice pulled within two points, showing flashes of the offensive attack that had produced 29 points from Johnson and 25 from Malonga. But each time Seattle threatened to take control, Las Vegas answered.
The Aces entered the later stages of the game with control and never surrendered it.
For Wilson, the night continued what has been another dominant season. Her ability to get to the free-throw line, finish around the basket and create pressure on Seattle’s defense kept the Aces’ offense moving even when the Storm made runs.
Las Vegas also made it two victories over Seattle in four days. The Aces had defeated the Storm 114-77 in Seattle on Thursday, making Sunday’s result the second consecutive double-digit victory in the season series.
With the regular season nearing its conclusion, the Aces are playing their best basketball at the right time. Five straight victories have strengthened their position near the top of the standings and given Las Vegas another opportunity to secure home-court advantage when the postseason begins.
Seattle will now look to close out the season on a positive note after a difficult campaign.
Up Next:
Seattle Storm: Host Dallas on Wednesday in the regular-season finale.
Las Vegas Aces: Host Los Angeles on Tuesday.
