A’ja Wilson recorded sport highs with 41 factors and 17 rebounds to steer the Las Vegas Aces to a 97-79 win over the host Phoenix Mercury on Sunday afternoon.
Wilson, a number one candidate for WNBA Most Invaluable Participant, made 16 of 23 pictures. Kelsey Plum added 16 factors, and Jackie Younger had 11 factors and tied an Aces report with 14 assists.
Las Vegas (20-12) dominated from the beginning, rapidly constructing a double-digit lead and by no means permitting the Mercury again into the sport. The Aces had already clinched a playoff spot.
The Mercury (16-17) misplaced their third straight sport however nonetheless presently maintain a playoff spot. Brittney Griner’s 24 factors led Phoenix, which trailed 29-10 after the primary quarter.
Sophie Cunningham added 16 factors and Kahleah Copper 15.
Wilson had 23 factors and 11 rebounds within the first half alone because the Aces took a 34-point lead at one level within the second quarter. A brief stepback from Wilson with 2:31 left within the first half gave Las Vegas a 50-16 lead, the Aces’ largest of the day.
The Aces misplaced guard Chelsea Grey to a again damage with 8:36 left within the second quarter, on an offensive foul towards Phoenix’s Kahleah Copper. Grey took a tough fall on the play and went to the locker room.
Frustration boiled over for the Mercury because the Aces had been in full management and maintained it. Phoenix guards Natasha Cloud and Diana Taurasi picked up technical fouls, and due to an accumulation of such violations (seven every) should sit out the Mercury’s subsequent sport, except the calls are later rescinded.
Copper additionally was whistled for a technical foul, hers coming within the third quarter. The Mercury lead the WNBA in technical fouls this season with 33.
Las Vegas led by as many as 29 within the third quarter earlier than the Mercury made a run to chop into the lead. Cunningham swished a 3-pointer in transition off a steal, and the Mercury trailed 69-52 on the 3:17 mark.
Phoenix outscored Las Vegas 31-24 within the third quarter however could not rally within the fourth.
–Discipline Stage Media
