Mateo’s Hoop Diary: Las Vegas Aces get back over .500, defeating the Atlanta Dream

Allisha Gray racked up numbers on the catch and dribble, but it was a futile effort because the Aces strangled her teammates’ games like a python coiling its prey. On top of that, A’ja Wilson downed mid-range jumpers and driving layups regularly to the tune of 24 digits on 50% shooting, with 12 rebounds and five offerings, pushing the Aces to a 12-11 record. 

Gray and Jordin Canada rattled off five triples  in the first quarter, helping the Dream take off on a 27-20 lead. The Aces were down nine first-quarter rebounds, too, but after getting challenged by coach Becky Hammon to defend and crash, Las Vegas took over the glass.

As the Dream cooled down, Las Vegas kept powering up in the next frame as they shut down Brionna Jones by collapsing into the lane on her moves, taking away her airspace, and swiping at her dribble. They were able to help more since Atlanta was missing Rhyne Howard’s shot creation and permitted just 31.6% of attempts to fall. On the other side, Dana Evans lashed coverages with pick-and-pop jumpers and a trick shot, plus Wilson scored on screen rolls. 

The Aces held a 45-39 lead at halftime and came out of the break, feasting on Atlanta’s bad passes and blowing up actions for Gray and Canada. Wilson raised the edge grew to 14 points with her jumper over Jones and two trips to the line before the end of the frame, but they ended it only up eight.

Then the hosts buried them by contesting promptly on their 3-point attempts, and pouring in six baskets of their own. 

The Aces won 87-72, making it their third straight. They scored 24 points off turnovers and 12 via second chances.

Coach Becky Hammon said, “Obviously coming out of the All-Star break, [we] wanted to make sure everybody came back and we’re all on the same page. That constant pursuit of excellence, not perfection, that’s been the message.”

Wilson wore bandage wraps on her right hand and wrist following the game. She’s still recovering from a hard fall that caused her to leave the Aces loss in New York on July 8 and didn’t practice on Monday. She gave props to her frontline teammates NaLyssa Smith and Megan Gustafson for sealing Jones and Brittney Griner and said, “We probably sustained their punches and their runs better than we ever have with any other team.”