The Aces were at Taurasi’s mercy Thursday night during Game 2, falling 117-91 to her Phoenix Mercury in Game 2 of the best-of-five series.
Basketball
Kelsey Plum on Thursday was named Sixth Player of the Year, receiving 41 votes from a panel comprised of 49 journalists and broadcasters who cover the WNBA.
Rare was the familiar face running up and down the Mendenhall Center courts for a UNLV team featuring nine transfers. But the effort and intensity were there.
Bryce Hamilton is returning to the Rebels for his senior season after an offseason in which he declared for the NBA draft and entered the NCAA’s transfer portal.
Riquna Williams showcased the offensive package Tuesday that once helped her eclipse 50 points in a WNBA game, erupting for 14 of her game-high 26 points in the first quarter.
Riquna Williams scored 14 of her team-high 26 points in the first quarter, and Kelsey Plum scored 20 of her 25 points in the second half in the Aces’ 96-90 victory.
Aces center Liz Cambage returned to practice last week after a lengthy bout with COVID-19, and is ready to battle with Pheonix Mercury center Brittney Griner in a matchup of perhaps the league’s top two centers.
Four-star forward KyeRon Lindsay announced his commitment to UNLV on Thursday, giving Rebels coach Kevin Kruger his first high school recruit.
Practices Friday through Sunday at Impact Basketball will be closed to the public.
The Utah Jazz will practice in a ballroom at Wynn Las Vegas. Practices are closed to the public.
Plum on Wednesday was named the Sixth Woman and Comeback Player of the Year by the Associated Press.
The Aces earned the No. 2 seed in the playoffs and thus have secured a double bye into the WNBA semifinals, which begin for them on Sept. 28 at Michelob Ultra Arena.
The All-Star center returned Sunday after missing five games with COVID-19. The Aces eked out a 84-83 road win over the Phoenix Mercury in the regular-season finale.
Riquna Williams led the way with 22 points, and Kelsey Plum continued her Sixth Woman of the Year campaign by scoring 16 of her 20 in the second quarter for the Aces.
Liz Cambage will join the team Saturday in Phoenix ahead the regular season-finale, according to Aces coach Bill Laimbeer.