LAS VEGAS (AP) — A’ja Wilson delivered an impressive performance with 35 points and 13 rebounds, helping the Las Vegas Aces bounce back from a 20-point defeat just five days prior, as they secured a 96-81 victory over the Los Angeles Sparks on Friday night.
This marked Wilson’s highest scoring game since she netted 41 points on September 1 against Phoenix, and she also contributed six assists. Jackie Young added 26 points for the Aces (3-2), while Chelsea Gray chipped in 15.
Kelsey Plum led the Sparks (2-5) with 17 points, followed by Odyssey Sims with 15 and former star De’Jaun Humvee with 14. Both Plum and coach Lynn Roberts received technical fouls for arguing with officials at different points in the game.
The Aces, a strong contender for the WNBA title, participated following a 102-82 loss to Seattle on Sunday.
Las Vegas surged with a 23-2 run, though the Sparks narrowed the gap to 28-21 with a 15-5 rally in the first quarter. However, the Aces responded with a 15-3 run in the second period, extending their lead to 54-36, leaving little doubt about the outcome.
Los Angeles attempted a comeback and closed to within eight points with 4:07 remaining.
This was Plum’s first game in Las Vegas after the Aces acquired her from Seattle in a three-team trade back in January.
De’Jaun Jackson was unavailable for the Sparks due to personal reasons. Jackson typically averages 7.0 points per game.
Milwaukee Bucks star Damian Lillard and Hall of Famer Tina Thompson were spotted courtside.
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AP WNBA: https://apnews.com/hub/wnba-basketball
Source: apnews.com