The Aces, looking to win the first championship in franchise history, fell behind by 23 points and lost to the Connecticut Sun in Game 3 of the WNBA Finals on Thursday.
Andy Yamashita
Former Reporter: UNLV/Aces
Aces forward A’ja Wilson and guard Kelsey Plum were named to the All-WNBA first team Thursday. Wilson, the league’s MVP, has made the first team three consecutive years.
Aces wing Jackie Young has particularly effective defensively against Sun veteran DeWanna Bonner through the first two games of the WNBA Finals.
A’ja Wilson had 26 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Aces to an 85-71 win over the Connecticut Sun on Tuesday in Game 2 of the WNBA Finals at Michelob Ultra Arena.
Aces All-Star guard Kelsey Plum hasn’t found her rhythm offensively during the playoffs, but is finding purpose in doing the little things to help her team win.
Dearica Hamby is still returning to full strength after injuring her right knee, but she played crucial minutes and helped swing the momentum of Game 1 of the WNBA Finals.
A’ja Wilson had another strong performance for the Aces Sunday, but fourth quarter defense and a fiery halftime talk from coach Becky Hammon proved the difference.
A’ja Wilson still remembers the green and yellow confetti raining down on her after the Aces lost to the Seattle Storm in the 2020 WNBA Finals. “It was disgusting,” she said.
The 2022 WNBA Finals between the Aces and Connecticut Sun features the two most recent MVPs — Jonquel Jones and A’ja Wilson — among its interesting storylines.
Aces star A’ja Wilson edged Seattle Storm standout Breanna Stewart to win the MVP award for the second time in three years. The Aces’ Kelsey Plum finished third in the voting.
Chelsea Gray had 31 points and 10 assists, and the Aces overcame a 42-point performance from Breanna Stewart and ended the legendary career of Sue Bird on Tuesday night.
Despite a series of injuries and the struggles of returning to full fitness, Riquna Williams showed up Sunday to hit the big shots when the Aces needed her most.
The victory over the Seattle Storm gave the Aces a 2-1 lead in the best-of-five series semifinal series. Game 4 is Tuesday night in Seattle.
That lineup, featuring Chelsea Gray in the post, helped the Aces even the series in Game 2. They may lean on it again in Game 3 Sunday in Seattle.
Aces rookie forward Iliana Rupert, who is from France, has experienced many of the typical highs and lows associated with a debut season in the WNBA.