Aces Begin Playoff Journey with 17th Consecutive Victory

The Las Vegas Aces kicked off their WNBA playoff campaign in style, achieving their 17th consecutive victory with a decisive 102-77 win over the Seattle Storm on Sunday. This remarkable performance not only sets the tone for their playoff aspirations but also brings them within one win of tying the league record for consecutive victories, a record that has stood for 24 years.

Aiming for Championship Glory

The Aces are not just focused on extending their winning streak; their sights are firmly set on securing a third WNBA championship. Head coach Becky Hammon emphasized the importance of a focused approach, stating, “It’s the first to nine wins, so that’s how we want to approach it.” This mindset reflects the intensity and determination the team carries into the playoffs.

Star player A’ja Wilson, who scored an impressive 29 points during the game, downplayed the significance of the streak. “You guys celebrate this more than we do. The streak stopped in the regular season,” she remarked, indicating that her focus is firmly on the present and the challenges ahead. Wilson’s perspective underscores the Aces’ commitment to winning games rather than dwelling on past achievements.

Historical Context of the Winning Streak

The Aces’ current winning streak is noteworthy, particularly as they aim to match the record of 18 consecutive wins set by the 2001 Los Angeles Sparks. That team, led by Hall of Famer Lisa Leslie, not only dominated the regular season but also captured the WNBA title. Leslie is one of only four players to have won the league MVP award three times, alongside Sheryl Swoopes, Lauren Jackson, and A’ja Wilson, who is poised to potentially earn her fourth MVP award this season.

In addition to her scoring prowess, Wilson made history during the game by tying Leslie for the second-longest streak in league history of scoring at least 15 points and grabbing five rebounds in consecutive playoff games. This was Wilson’s 11th straight playoff game achieving those statistics, further solidifying her status as one of the league’s elite players. Currently, she ranks 10th on the WNBA’s career playoff scoring list, with 878 points over 44 postseason games. She is on track to surpass Hall of Famer Seimone Augustus, who has 901 points, in the upcoming Game 2 of this best-of-three series.

Team Contributions and Performance

While Wilson’s performance was a highlight, the success of the Aces was a collective effort. Jackie Young, another former No. 1 draft pick, contributed significantly with 18 points, 7 assists, 5 rebounds, and 4 steals. Additionally, NaLyssa Smith, who was acquired mid-season after a trade, added 11 points and 9 rebounds to the mix, showcasing the depth and versatility of the Aces’ roster.

The Aces’ bench was also instrumental in the victory, contributing a total of 34 points, with Jewell Loyd leading the way with 14 points. The team demonstrated their shooting prowess, hitting 14 three-pointers in this game, following a record-setting performance of 22 three-pointers in their last regular-season game. Under Hammon’s leadership, the Aces have remained undefeated in first-round playoff games since she took over as coach in 2022, the year they claimed their first WNBA championship.

Seattle Storm’s Struggles

The game was largely decided by halftime, with the Aces leading 45-25. This score tied the Storm’s franchise record for the fewest points scored in a playoff half, highlighting the Aces’ defensive effectiveness. Although the Storm improved slightly in the second half, they were unable to close the gap, leaving them with significant challenges ahead.

As they head back to Seattle for Game 2, the Storm will need to reverse the momentum that the Aces have built. The team hopes that playing at home will provide a boost, as they aim to overcome a disappointing home record of 10-12 this season, which was the worst among all playoff teams. Nneka Ogwumike of the Storm acknowledged the need for improvement, stating, “Our fans deserve for us to play well. We have to figure out how to do it, no matter what. That’s going to be the test on Tuesday.”

Looking Ahead

The Aces’ impressive victory sets the stage for an exciting continuation of the playoffs. With their sights set on both a record-tying winning streak and another championship, the team is focused on maintaining their momentum. The upcoming Game 2 in Seattle promises to be a critical matchup as both teams strive to advance in the postseason.

Key Facts

– The Las Vegas Aces won their 17th consecutive game, defeating the Seattle Storm 102-77.
– A’ja Wilson scored 29 points, contributing to her ongoing playoff success.
– The Aces are aiming to tie the league record of 18 consecutive wins set by the 2001 Los Angeles Sparks.
– The Aces have not lost a first-round playoff game since Becky Hammon became head coach in 2022.
– Seattle Storm’s home record this season was 10-12, the worst among playoff teams.

Source: www.espn.com