- Home
- >>Sports
- >>Aces
Aces
Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson shoots during the first half of a WNBA basketball game against the Los Angeles Sparks, Sunday, June 9, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)
Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson reacts after scoring during the first half of a WNBA basketball game against the Los Angeles Sparks, Sunday, June 9, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)
Las Vegas Aces guard Kelsey Plum, left, scores past Los Angeles Sparks center Li Yueru during the first half of a WNBA basketball game, Sunday, June 9, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)
Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson, right, shoots against Los Angeles Sparks forwards Dearica Hamby, left, and Cameron Brink during the first half of a WNBA basketball game, Sunday, June 9, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)
Las Vegas Aces guard Kelsey Plum gestures during the first half of a WNBA basketball game against the Los Angeles Sparks, Sunday, June 9, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)
Las Vegas Aces head coach Becky Hammon gestures during the first half of a WNBA basketball game against the Los Angeles Sparks, Sunday, June 9, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)
Los Angeles Sparks guard Lexie Brown celebrates a three-point basket during the first half of a WNBA basketball game against the Las Vegas Aces, Sunday, June 9, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)
Las Vegas Aces guard Kelsey Plum, right, passes against Los Angeles Sparks guard Layshia Clarendon during the first half of a WNBA basketball game, Sunday, June 9, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)
Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson, second from right, shoots against, from left, Los Angeles Sparks guard Lexie Brown, forward Cameron Brink, and center Li Yueru during the first half of a WNBA basketball game, Sunday, June 9, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)
Comedian Leslie Jones watches during the first half of a WNBA basketball game between the Los Angeles Sparks and the Las Vegas Aces, Sunday, June 9, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)
Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson reacts after scoring during the first half of a WNBA basketball game against the Los Angeles Sparks, Sunday, June 9, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)
Las Vegas Aces guard Kelsey Plum, center, shoots against Los Angeles Sparks forward Stephanie Talbot, left, and guard Aari McDonald (15) during the first half of a WNBA basketball game, Sunday, June 9, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)
Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Khalil Mack watches during the second half of a WNBA basketball game between the Los Angeles Sparks and the Las Vegas Aces, Sunday, June 9, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)
Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson takes a moment before a WNBA basketball game against the Los Angeles Sparks, Sunday, June 9, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)
Los Angeles Sparks guard Rae Burrell (12) shoots against Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson (22) during the second half of a WNBA basketball game, Sunday, June 9, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)
Los Angeles Sparks guard Layshia Clarendon, left, drives against Las Vegas Aces guard Kelsey Plum during the first half of a WNBA basketball game, Sunday, June 9, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)
Los Angeles Sparks forward Cameron Brink is introduced before during a WNBA basketball game against the Las Vegas Aces, Sunday, June 9, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)
Los Angeles Sparks forward Dearica Hamby (5) shoots against Las Vegas Aces guard Kelsey Plum during the second half of a WNBA basketball game, Sunday, June 9, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)
Los Angeles Sparks center Li Yueru (28) shoots against Las Vegas Aces center Megan Gustafson during the second half of a WNBA basketball game, Sunday, June 9, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)
Los Angeles Sparks forward Cameron Brink (22) shoots against Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson, left, and guard Kelsey Plum during the second half of a WNBA basketball game, Sunday, June 9, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)
Los Angeles Sparks forward Cameron Brink (22) reacts near Las Vegas Aces center Megan Gustafson (17) after scoring a 3-point basket during the second half of a WNBA basketball game, Sunday, June 9, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)
Los Angeles Sparks forwards Cameron Brink, right, and Dearica Hamby, center, celebrate after the team's win as Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson walks by during a WNBA basketball game, Sunday, June 9, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)
Los Angeles Sparks guard Kia Nurse (10) shoots against Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson (22) and Aces forward Alysha Clark (7) during the second half of a WNBA basketball game, Sunday, June 9, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)
Los Angeles Sparks forward Cameron Brink, left, reacts after forward Rickea Jackson drew a foul during the first half of a WNBA basketball game against the Las Vegas Aces, Sunday, June 9, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)
More Stories
ByCallie Lawson-Freeman/Las Vegas Review-Journal
June 9, 2024 - 8:14 pm
Updated June 9, 2024 - 10:53 pm
The Aces’ start to the season reminds coach Becky Hammon of the novella “Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.”
The back-to-back WNBA champions can’t stay consistent.
“We’re one team in Minnesota,” Hammon said. “We’re another team in Atlanta. We’re one team in Dallas, we’re another team against Seattle.”
The Aces (5-4) illustrated her point a few hours later in a 96-92 loss to the Los Angeles Sparks at Crypto.com Arena on Sunday.
The team opened the game with a 14-0 run. The Sparks (4-7) recovered to trail just 44-43 at halftime. Los Angeles then took control of the second half of the game.
Hammon exited the court with the Aces down five with 23 seconds remaining after receiving a technical foul. Alysha Clark made a 3-pointer to bring her team within two points with 1.1 seconds left, but Los Angeles held on for the win.
A’ja Wilson led the Aces with 31 points, eight rebounds and five assists. Kelsey Plum added 24 points and five assists. New addition Tiffany Hayes scored 17 points.
Dearica Hamby had 18 points for the Sparks after recording a career-high 29 in the Aces’ 89-82 win over Los Angeles on May 18.
Rookie guard Kate Martin got her first WNBA start in the loss. She scored 13 points and made all three of her 3-point attempts. She added four rebounds and three assists.
The loss dropped the Aces to 1-2 in Commissioner’s Cup play. It was also their second straight defeat and fourth of the season.
Here are three takeaways from the loss:
1. Rookie gets respect
The Aces, down to nine healthy players with Jackie Young, Chelsea Gray and Kierstan Bell out, needed production from Martin.
The second-round pick out of Iowa rose to the occasion. She scored 11 points before halftime Sunday.
Martin battled throughout the game with rookie Rickea Jackson, the fourth overall pick in April’s draft. Jackson hit a 3-pointer to tie the game at 41-41 in the second quarter. Martin answered immediately with a 3 on the other end to give the Aces the lead back.
She continued to produce in the second half. Martin had an impressive driving layup in the third quarter to stop a 7-2 run by Los Angeles.
2. Wilson keeps making history
Martin repeated something she has often said after Sunday’s game. She believes Wilson is the best player around.
“Not only is she the best player in the world, she’s the best player I’ve ever been around,” Martin said.
Wilson scored at least 20 points for the 14th consecutive game, setting a new WNBA record in the process. She also became the third-fastest player to reach 4,000 career points Sunday.
Wilson continues to contribute on the defensive end as well. She has blocked a shot in 18 consecutive games, the longest active streak in the league.
3. Embracing adversity
The Aces have lost three of their last four games.
It’s a different situation than the one they were in last season. The Aces didn’t lose their fourth game until August last year on their way to a second consecutive WNBA championship.
Hammon and Wilson still laughed and smiled through Sunday’s postgame news conference instead of sulking. Wilson joked she missed Hammon during the final seconds of the game. Hammon laughed as she explained she was penalized for crossing half court as she attempted to tell her team to blitz on defense.
“These times are hard, but I guarantee you they will not last forever. I was just saying in the huddle, we’re going to be good,” Wilson said.
Wilson added things will change in the postseason. She expects to get the last laugh again when that time comes.
Contact Callie Lawson-Freeman at clawsonfreeman@reviewjournal.com. Follow @CallieJLaw on X.
MOST READ
'; html += '
'; html += '
'; html += ''; html += 'READ MORE'; html += 'LIVE WELL'; html += ''; html += ''; html += ''; html += ''; html += ''; html += 'STORIES LIKE THIS'; html += 'CLICK HERE FOR MORE'; html += ''; html += ''; html += '
'; html += '
'; $('.nlsm-small').addClass('livewell').html(html); return; } if ($('.rj-story-sponsored-full').length>0) { return; } if ($('.rj-story-full').hasClass('tag-what-are-they-hiding')) { html = ''; html += '
'; html += '
'; html += 'WHAT ARE THEY HIDING?'; html += 'Exposing officials and agencies keeping public records from the public.'; html += 'CLICK HERE TO READ MORE'; html += ''; html += '
'; $('.nlsm-small').addClass('2023-year-in-review').html(html); return; } if ($('.rj-story-full').hasClass('tag-2023-year-in-review')) { html = ''; html += '
'; html += '
'; html += '2023 YEAR IN REVIEW'; html += 'CLICK HERE FOR MORE'; html += ''; html += '
'; $('.nlsm-small').addClass('2023-year-in-review').html(html); return; } if ($('.rj-story-full').hasClass('tag-msg-sphere')) { html = ''; html += '
'; html += ''; html += ''; html += ''; html += '
'; $('.nlsm-small').addClass('tag-msg-sphere').html(html); return; } if ($('.rj-story-full').hasClass('tag-jeff-german-murder') || $('.rj-story-full').hasClass('tag-remembering-jeff-german')) { html = ''; html += '
'; html += ''; html += ''; html += ''; html += '
'; $('.nlsm-small').addClass('jeff_german').html(html); return; } if ($('.rj-story-full').hasClass('tag-911-anniversary')) { html = ''; html += '
'; html += '
'; html += 'REMEMBERING 9/11: 20 YEARS LATER'; html += 'Looking back at the 2001 terror attacks and how they affected Las Vegas and the world.'; html += 'Read more'; html += ''; html += '
'; $('.nlsm-small').addClass('anniversary-911').html(html); return; } if ($('.rj-story-full').hasClass('tag-class-of-2021')) { html = ''; html += '
'; html += '
'; html += 'MEET THE UNFORGETTABLE CLASS'; html += ''; html += ''; html += ''; html += ''; html += '2021'; html += ''; html += ''; html += ''; html += ''; html += ''; html += '
'; $('.nlsm-small').addClass('class-2021').html(html); return; } if ($('.rj-story-full').hasClass('tag-2022-election')) { html = ''; html += '
'; html += '
'; html += '
'; html += 'ELECTION 2022'; html += 'Read more'; html += ''; html += '
'; html += '
'; html += '
'; html += '
'; html += 'ELECTION RESULTS'; html += 'Click here'; html += ''; html += '
'; html += '
'; $('.nlsm-small').addClass('election-2022').html(html); return; } if ($('.rj-story-full').hasClass('tag-harry-reid-1939-2021')) { html = ''; html += '
'; html += '
'; html += ''; html += 'Harry Reid(1939-2021)'; html += ''; html += ''; html += ''; html += ''; html += ''; html += 'Senate leader and Nevada political titan'; html += 'Read more'; html += ''; html += ''; html += '
'; $('.nlsm-small').addClass('harry-reid').html(html); return; } if ($('.rj-story-full').hasClass('tag-henry-ruggs')) { html = ''; html += '
'; html += '
'; html += ''; html += 'HENRY RUGGSDEADLY CRASH'; html += ''; html += ''; html += ''; html += ''; html += ''; html += 'CLICK FOR MORE'; html += ''; html += ''; html += '
'; $('.nlsm-small').addClass('henry-ruggs').html(html); return; } if ($('.rj-story-full').hasClass('category-homicides')) { html = ''; html += '
'; html += '
'; html += '
'; html += ''; html += 'HOMICIDE'; html += 'A STORY BEHIND EVERY NAME'; html += ''; html += ''; html += ''; html += ''; html += ''; html += 'TRACKER'; html += 'CLICK HERE FOR MORE'; html += ''; html += ''; html += '
'; html += '
'; $('.nlsm-small').addClass('homicides').html(html); return; } if ($('.rj-story-full').hasClass('tag-sheldon-adelson')) { html = ''; html += '
'; html += '
'; html += ''; html += 'Sheldon Adelson(1933-2021)'; html += ''; html += ''; html += ''; html += ''; html += ''; html += 'Las Vegas visionary and Philanthropist.'; html += 'Read more'; html += ''; html += ''; html += '
'; $('.nlsm-small').addClass('sheldon-adelson').html(html); return; } if ($('.rj-story-full').hasClass('tag-tony-hsieh')) { html = ''; html += '
'; html += '
'; html += ''; html += 'Tony Hsieh(1973-2020)'; html += ''; html += ''; html += ''; html += ''; html += ''; html += 'Ex-Zappos and Downtown Project CEO left a lasting impression on Las Vegas.'; html += 'Read more'; html += ''; html += ''; html += '
'; $('.nlsm-small').addClass('tony-hsieh').html(html); return; } if ($('.rj-story-full').hasClass('tag-vegas-weekend')) { //vegas-reawakening html = ''; html += '
'; html += '
'; html += 'VEGAS REAWAKENING'; html += 'A year after the pandemic began, the first weekend of spring showed a perfect storm of promise for Las Vegas’ recovery and brought optimism that visitors would indeed return to the city'; html += 'Read more'; html += ''; html += '
'; $('.nlsm-small').addClass('vegas-reawakening').html(html); return; } //add newsletters embed var default_category_to_show = ['News', 'Local', 'Life', 'Crime']; var newsletter_1st_lv = []; newsletter_1st_lv['default'] = {'id':'starting_point,pm_update', 'track_name':'StartingPoint', 'title':'LOCAL NEWS YOUR WAY', 'subtitle':'Sign up for our free daily Morning and Afternoon Update newsletters.'}; newsletter_1st_lv['Sports'] = {'id':'sports', 'track_name':'Sports', 'title':'SPORTS NEWS YOUR WAY', 'subtitle':'Sign up for our free daily Sports Update newsletter.'}; newsletter_1st_lv['Business'] = {'id':'business', 'track_name':'Business', 'title':'BUSINESS NEWS YOUR WAY', 'subtitle':'Sign up for our free Business Update newsletter.'}; newsletter_1st_lv['Entertainment'] = {'id':'','alert_id':'entertainment', 'track_name':'Entertainment', 'title':'WANT THE LATEST ON LAS VEGAS ENTERTAINMENT?', 'subtitle':'Sign up for free entertainment email alerts'}; //newsletter_1st_lv['Nevada Preps'] = {'id':'nevada_preps', 'title':'HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS YOUR WAY', 'subtitle':'Stay up to date with our free Nevada Preps newsletter.'}; //newsletter_1st_lv['Investigations'] = {'id':'rj_investigates', 'title':'INVESTIGATIVE NEWS YOUR WAY', 'subtitle':'Sign up for our free RJ Investigates newsletter.'}; var cat_has_subcat = ['News','Business','Entertainment','Sports', 'Opinion']; var newsletter_2nd_lv = []; newsletter_2nd_lv['Politics and Government'] = {'id':'','alert_id':'political', 'track_name':'Political', 'title':'LOCAL, REGIONAL AND NATIONAL POLITICS COVERAGE', 'subtitle':'
Sign up for our free RJ politics email alerts.
'}; //newsletter_2nd_lv['Politics and Government'] = {'id':'political', 'title':'ELECTION 2020: BE INFORMED', 'subtitle':'
FULL COVERAGE | ELECTION RESULTS
Sign up for our free RJ Politics newsletter.
'}; //newsletter_2nd_lv['Debra J. Saunders'] = {'id':'44', 'title':'YOUR WEEKLY POLITICAL FIX', 'subtitle':'Sign up for our free DC-LV newsletter with political stories from the swamp to the Strip.'}; //newsletter_2nd_lv['CES 2021'] = {'id':'ces', 'title':'CES 2021: STAY IN THE KNOW', 'subtitle':'
The Review-Journal is a media partner with the CTA. Click here for full coverage and live video from CES 2021
Sign up for our free newsletter below.'}; //newsletter_2nd_lv['TV'] = {'id':'tv_briefing', 'title':'GET YOUR TV LISTINGS', 'subtitle':'Your Weekly TV Briefing.'}; //newsletter_2nd_lv['UNLV'] = {'id':'unlv_rebel_news', 'title':'UNLV SPORTS YOUR WAY', 'subtitle':'Stay up to date on the Rebels with our free newsletter.'}; newsletter_2nd_lv['Rodeo'] = {'id':'rodeo_nfr', 'track_name':'RodeoNFR', 'title':'RODEO NEWS YOUR WAY', 'subtitle':'Don\'t miss any of the action! Click here for full NFR coverage or Sign up for our free newsletter below'}; newsletter_2nd_lv['Raiders News'] = {'id':'vegasnation', 'track_name':'VegasNation', 'title':'WANT EVEN MORE RAIDERS NEWS?', 'subtitle':'Sign up for our free Vegas Nation newsletter.'}; newsletter_2nd_lv['Golden Knights'] = {'id':'','alert_id':'golden_knights', 'track_name':'GoldenKnights', 'title':'WANT MORE KNIGHTS IN YOUR DAY?', 'subtitle':'Sign up for free Golden Knights email alerts for all the latest updates'}; var main_cat = ''; var m_hierarchy = []; var m_cat = []; var m_hl_cat = ''; if (window.dataLayer[0].metrics) { main_cat = window.dataLayer[0].metrics.section; //National Finals Rodeo m_hierarchy = window.dataLayer[0].metrics.hierarchy.split(' | '); //"Sports | Rodeo | National Finals Rodeo" m_cat = window.dataLayer[0].metrics.categories; //["National Finals Rodeo","Rodeo","Sports"] m_hl_cat = window.dataLayer[0].metrics['hl-category']; //Sports } var i, k, found, newsletter; newsletter = false; found = false; if (default_category_to_show.includes(m_hl_cat)) { newsletter = newsletter_1st_lv['default']; } if (newsletter_1st_lv.hasOwnProperty(m_hl_cat)) { newsletter = newsletter_1st_lv[m_hl_cat]; } // check main category if (newsletter_2nd_lv.hasOwnProperty(main_cat)) { found = true; newsletter = newsletter_2nd_lv[main_cat]; } if (!found) { // check in hierarchy (main category hierarchy) i = m_hierarchy.length; while (!found && i >= 0) { i--; if (i > 0) { if (newsletter_2nd_lv.hasOwnProperty(m_hierarchy[i])) { found = true; newsletter = newsletter_2nd_lv[m_hierarchy[i]]; } } else { // i=0, check first level if (newsletter_1st_lv.hasOwnProperty(m_hierarchy[i])) { found = true; newsletter = newsletter_1st_lv[m_hierarchy[i]]; } } } } if (!found) { // check in category i = m_cat.length; while (!found && i > 0 && cat_has_subcat.includes(m_hl_cat)) { i--; if (newsletter_2nd_lv.hasOwnProperty(m_cat[i])) { found = true; newsletter = newsletter_2nd_lv[m_cat[i]]; } } } if (newsletter !== false && !$('.rj-story-full').hasClass('tag-hide-newsletter') && !$('.rj-story-full').hasClass(' rj-story-sponsored-full')) { var alert_id = ''; if (newsletter.alert_id) { alert_id = newsletter.alert_id; } html = ''; html += '
'; html += '
'; html += '
'+newsletter.title+'
'; html += '
'+newsletter.subtitle+'
'; html += '
'; html += '
'; html += '
'; html += 'By signing up you agree to our Privacy Policy and '; html += 'Terms of Service. Unsubscribe at any time.'; html += '
'; html += '
'; html += 'This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.'; html += '
'; html += '
'; $('.nlsm-small').html(html); } //});})(jQuery);
Don't miss the big stories. Like us on Facebook.
THE LATEST
Aces set for big test with point guard back: ‘We definitely missed her’
ByDanny Webster/RJ
The Aces got point guard Chelsea Gray back from injury just in time. They play the 13-1 Connecticut Sun on Friday at Michelob Ultra Arena.
Aces make WNBA history again by selling out all home games
ByDanny Webster/RJ
The Aces have become the first team in WNBA history to sell out all tickets for every home regular-season game, the club announced Thursday.
3 takeaways: Gray’s return sparks Aces’ romp past Storm — PHOTOS
ByCallie Lawson-Freeman/RJ
Aces point guard Chelsea Gray received a standing ovation as she entered the game for her season debut Wednesday at Michelob Ultra Arena against the Seattle Storm.
Aces listed as WNBA’s most valuable franchise by Sportico
ByMick Akers/RJ
The Aces can add another prestigious honor to their list of accomplishments. They were listed as the WNBA’s most valuable franchise by Sportico.
‘Chomping at the bit’: Aces star likely to make season debut Wednesday
ByCallie Lawson-Freeman/RJ
The Aces will likely get their point guard back Wednesday for a WNBA game against the Seattle Storm at Michelob Ultra Arena.
Aces, Raiders host IX awards, honoring equality in sports — PHOTOS
ByChase Stevens/RJ
The Aces and Raiders hosted the IXs — an awards show honoring people who have fought for equality in sports and beyond — on Monday at Allegiant Stadium.
‘There’s no problem here’: Aces’ $100K sponsorships push forward as WNBA investigates
ByCallie Lawson-Freeman/RJ
It’s been a month since LVCVA president and CEO Steve Hill entered the Aces’ locker room and unveiled a $100,000 sponsorship offer to each of the team’s 12 players. Here’s where things stand.
Aces waive forward, sign rookie center after suffering sixth loss
ByCallie Lawson-Freeman/RJ
The Aces made two roster moves Sunday, a day after losing their 2023 WNBA Finals rematch to the New York Liberty.
Graney: A defenseless Aces team deserves 6-6 record
ByEd Graney/RJ
Frustrated through words and now tears, the Aces on Saturday again played little defense in falling to the red-hot New York Liberty at Michelob Ultra Arena.
Hill: Aces get in-game entertainment right with baby race
ByAdam Hill/RJ
Teams try a lot of in-arena gimmicks that don’t work. But the Aces broke one out Saturday that’s tried and true — the baby race. Even LeBron James enjoyed it.
MORE STORIES
'; html += '
' html += '
'+d['title']+'
'; html += '
'; $('.rjp-related .base-'+base+' .field-story').append(html); } }});})(jQuery);
