LAS VEGAS (AP) - The Las Vegas Aces dominated the Seattle Storm 102-77 in Game 1 of their best-of-three first-round playoff series Sunday night, extending their winning streak to 16 games and seizing control of the matchup. The victory marks a strong start to the Aces’ postseason run as they aim for a repeat championship.
Las Vegas’s impressive close to the regular season-tied with the 2014 Phoenix Mercury for the second-longest win streak in WNBA history-demonstrates their championship caliber. A win in Game 2 on Tuesday in Seattle would secure their advancement to the semifinals.
A’ja Wilson led all scorers with 29 points, while Jackie Young contributed 18 points, seven assists, five rebounds, and four steals for the Aces. Jewell Loyd, recently traded to the Aces in january after a decade with seattle, scored seven points as part of a 17-7 opening run that established Las Vegas’s early lead.
Gabby Williams paced the Storm with 16 points, and Dominique Malonga recorded a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds. Skylar diggins and Nneka Ogwumike each added 12 and 11 points, respectively, but Seattle struggled to contain the Aces’ offensive firepower.
Chelsea Gray’s 3-pointer late in the first quarter extended the Aces’ lead to 12 points, and they maintained a double-digit advantage for the remainder of the game. A 9-0 run capped by Dana Evans’s 3-pointer and jumper midway through the second quarter pushed the lead to 14.
The Aces shot 51% from the field (36 of 71), connecting on 14 of 29 3-point attempts (48%) and distributing 23 assists, showcasing their efficient and balanced offensive performance.Dana Evans finished with 13 points and NaLyssa Smith added 11 points with nine rebounds.
