Florie Hartsell

Written by Florie Hartsell

Published: 05 Sep 2024

30-facts-about-sky-vs-aces
Source: Wnba.com

Why was the Sky vs. Aces game so thrilling? The recent WNBA showdown between the Chicago Sky and Las Vegas Aces on September 3, 2024, was nothing short of electrifying. Held at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, the game drew a massive crowd of 18,394 fans, the second-largest in the Aces' history. A'ja Wilson led the charge for the Aces with a stellar 30-point, 14-rebound performance, while Chelsea Gray chipped in with 13 points and 10 assists. Despite the absence of Kelsey Plum due to an ankle injury, Tiffany Hayes stepped up, scoring 20 points. The Sky, struggling with a seven-game losing streak, couldn't keep pace, even with Angel Reese's impressive double-double.

Table of Contents

Match Details

The recent face-off between the Chicago Sky and the Las Vegas Aces was a game to remember. Here are some key details about the match:

  1. Date: The game took place on Tuesday, September 3, 2024.
  2. Location: It was held at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
  3. Score: The Las Vegas Aces triumphed with a score of 90-71.
  4. Attendance: A crowd of 18,394 spectators attended, marking the second-largest home crowd in the Aces' franchise history.

A'ja Wilson's Performance

A'ja Wilson was a standout player in this matchup, showcasing her skills on both ends of the court.

  1. Points: Wilson scored an impressive 30 points.
  2. Rebounds: She grabbed 14 rebounds, dominating the boards.
  3. Blocks, Assists, and Steals: Wilson also recorded three blocks, three assists, and two steals without committing any fouls.

Chelsea Gray's Contribution

Chelsea Gray played a crucial role in the Aces' victory, particularly in the second quarter.

  1. Points and Assists: Gray added 13 points and 10 assists.
  2. Impact on the Game: Her seven points in the second quarter helped the Aces take a significant lead.

Kelsey Plum's Absence

Kelsey Plum's absence was a notable factor in the game, but the Aces managed to fill the gap effectively.

  1. Injury: Plum was ruled out due to an ankle injury.
  2. Tiffany Hayes' Fill-In Role: Tiffany Hayes stepped up, scoring 20 points in Plum's place.

Jackie Young's Contribution

Jackie Young also made significant contributions to the Aces' win.

  1. Points: Young added 15 points to the Aces' tally.
  2. Role in the Game: Her four points in the final quarter helped ignite an 8-2 finishing surge.

Chicago Sky's Struggles

The Chicago Sky faced several challenges during the game, contributing to their loss.

  1. Loss Streak: The Sky suffered their seventh consecutive loss.
  2. Net Rating: They rank 11th in the WNBA in net rating since the Olympic break, with a -9.4 rating.

Angel Reese's Performance

Despite the Sky's struggles, Angel Reese had an impressive individual performance.

  1. Points and Rebounds: Reese led the Sky with 15 points and 16 rebounds.
  2. Impact on the Game: She extended her rookie record double-double to 25 but couldn't contain A'ja Wilson on offense.

Diamond DeShields' Effort

Diamond DeShields also put in a solid effort for the Sky.

  1. Points: DeShields scored 12 points.
  2. Role in the Game: Her efforts were part of the Sky's attempt to keep up with the Aces.

Dana Evans' Contribution

Dana Evans provided a spark off the bench for the Sky.

  1. Points: Evans added 13 points.
  2. Three-Pointer: She drained a 3-pointer with 3:58 left to trim the deficit to 78-68.

Halftime Score

The Aces set the stage for their dominant second half with a strong first half.

  1. Advantage: The Aces held a 47-31 advantage at halftime.

Second Quarter Run

The Aces' performance in the second quarter was crucial to their victory.

  1. Aces' Dominance: They went on a 13-point run to kick off the second period, with Gray scoring seven points and assisting on the remaining three baskets.

Final Quarter Surge

The Aces secured their win with a strong finish in the final quarter.

  1. Aces' Victory: They took a 68-51 lead into the final quarter and maintained it with an 8-2 finishing surge.

Aces' Home Record

The Aces have had a mixed season at home but continue to perform well overall.

  1. Wins: They have racked up 11 home wins compared to 19 last year.
  2. Energy at T-Mobile Arena: The energy at T-Mobile Arena was palpable, pushing the Aces through stifling moments.

Coach Becky Hammon's Insights

Coach Becky Hammon provided valuable insights into the team's performance and philosophy.

  1. Team Performance: Hammon praised the team's performance, noting that when the ball is "poppin'," the Aces are at their best.
  2. Consistency: She emphasized the importance of consistency and teamwork.

Kelsey Plum's Update

Coach Hammon also provided an update on Kelsey Plum's injury.

  1. Ankle Injury: Plum was ruled out due to an ankle injury, taking precautions to ensure her safety.
  2. Self-Correction: Hammon highlighted the self-correction in trying to get to the next play, which helps prevent the team from closing the gap on their lead.

Final Whistle on Sky vs Aces

The Sky vs Aces matchup was a thrilling display of basketball prowess. A'ja Wilson led the charge for the Aces with 30 points and 14 rebounds, while Chelsea Gray added 13 points and 10 assists. Despite Kelsey Plum's absence, Tiffany Hayes stepped up with 20 points. The Chicago Sky struggled, marking their seventh consecutive loss, even with Angel Reese's 15 points and 16 rebounds. The Aces' teamwork and discipline, emphasized by Coach Becky Hammon, were key to their victory. The game also had playoff implications, securing spots for the Mercury and Indiana Fever. As the season progresses, both teams face challenges, but the Aces are well-positioned for another championship run. The Sky, tied for the last playoff spot, must overcome their struggles to stay in contention. This matchup highlighted the importance of consistency, teamwork, and individual performances in the WNBA.

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