LAS VEGAS — A'ja Wilson delivered another dominant performance with 28 points and 14 rebounds as the Las Vegas Aces cruised to a 98-83 victory over the Portland Fire on Tuesday night at Michelob Ultra Arena.
The four-time WNBA MVP was efficient from the floor, hitting 7 of 10 field goals and 13 of 14 free throws. Wilson set the tone early, recording 10 points and five rebounds in the first quarter alone as the Aces jumped out to a 36-21 lead.
Jackie Young added 25 points on 9-of-14 shooting, helping Las Vegas shoot 58 percent from the field as a team. Chelsea Gray contributed 17 points and five assists, while Jewell Loyd provided a spark off the bench with 11 points.
Portland refused to go quietly. Megan DiLeo scored 20 points and reserve Frieda Buhner added 16 to lead the Fire. DiLeo sparked a 12-3 run to open the second quarter, completing a three-point play that pulled Portland within 39-33. But Gray and Young answered with consecutive baskets in a 14-4 spurt to close the half, sending the Aces into the locker room with a 53-37 advantage.
The Fire never got closer than six points in the third quarter and trailed by double digits throughout the fourth as Las Vegas maintained control.
The victory improves the Aces to 19-8 on the season, keeping them firmly in contention near the top of the WNBA standings. Portland falls to 11-17.
Las Vegas returns to action Thursday when it hosts the New York Liberty, while Portland will look to bounce back Friday against the Indiana Fever.
Sources
- https://apnews.com/article/portland-fire-las-vegas-aces-score-79e58cbd71a73b1ecf0c78176b3590c6
