The Las Vegas Aces celebrated their home opener in style at Michelob ULTRA Arena, securing a thrilling victory over the Washington Mystics with a final score of 75-72. The game was marked by a last-second shot from Jewell Lloyd, much to the delight of a raucous, sold-out crowd— the Aces’ 27th consecutive sell-out.
Key contributors included Jackie Young, who led the scoring with 25 points, followed by Chelsea Gray with 17, and A’ja Wilson with 15. Although the team faced challenges with their 3-point shooting, hitting just 24.2% compared to Washington’s impressive 50%, their solid performance elsewhere made the difference.
This game is part of a promising start to the season for the Aces, who have split their first two games. They opened with a loss to last year’s champions, the New York Liberty, but quickly bounced back with a strong win against the Connecticut Sun before this home game.
A’ja Wilson, the team’s star and three-time league MVP, has been particularly noteworthy this season, averaging 26.5 points and 13 rebounds over two games. Young and Lloyd have also been pivotal, contributing 16 and 12.5 points per game, respectively. Overall, the Aces are maintaining a shooting percentage of 36.2% in both overall play and from beyond the arc.
In addition to the exciting gameplay, fans were treated to giveaways, including exclusive Kiah Stokes pins for the first 7,500 attendees. The Aces also honored their Olympians with a special ceremony for Team USA Basketball, celebrating their gold medal achievement in the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Looking ahead, the Aces will be facing off against the Seattle Storm this weekend in another must-see match. The game is set for a matinee on Sunday, with pre-game coverage beginning at 2:30 p.m.
This season, the Aces have established a strong bond with their fanbase, and the ongoing interaction and events are sure to enhance the community’s connection with the team. With the season still young, there’s a lot to be hopeful about for both the team and its supporters.