Introduction

On June 19, 2024, the Las Vegas Aces welcomed back All-Star point guard Chelsea Gray as they took on the reigning WNBA champions, the Seattle Storm. The Aces, who had already proven themselves to be a force to be reckoned with earlier in the season, were looking to cement their status as one of the league’s elite teams. Led by the standout performances of Jackie Young and A’ja Wilson, the Aces were able to do just that.

The Game

From the opening tip, the Aces set the tone with their relentless energy and defensive intensity. They were able to force the Storm into numerous turnovers, disrupting the team’s offensive rhythm. On the other end, the Aces’ offense was firing on all cylinders, with Young and Wilson leading the charge.

Young, who has emerged as one of the league’s premier scorers, poured in a game-high 32 points, showcasing her ability to score from all three levels. Wilson, the reigning WNBA MVP, added 27 points and made her presence felt in the paint, overpowering the Storm’s frontcourt.

The return of Chelsea Gray, who had missed significant time due to injury, provided a significant boost for the Aces. Gray orchestrated the offense with precision, dishing out 10 assists and keeping the Storm defense off balance.

Key Moments

The game remained close throughout, with the Storm making several runs to try and cut into the Aces’ lead. However, every time the Storm made a push, the Aces had an answer.

One of the key moments came late in the fourth quarter, with the Aces leading by 6. Storm superstar Breanna Stewart attempted to drive to the hoop, but was met by the stifling defense of A’ja Wilson. Wilson rose up and swatted Stewart’s shot, leading to a fast break opportunity for the Aces. Jackie Young calmly knocked down a 3-pointer to push the lead to 9, all but sealing the victory for the Aces.

Conclusion

The Aces’ victory over the Storm was a statement win, cementing their status as one of the premier teams in the WNBA. The dominant performances of Young and Wilson, combined with the return of Chelsea Gray, proved to be too much for the Storm to handle. This win sets the stage for a potential playoff matchup between these two powerhouses, as they look to determine who will reign supreme in the WNBA.