A’ja Wilson showcased a stellar performance, scoring 27 points and grabbing eight rebounds, while Jackie Young contributed 23 points as the Las Vegas Aces secured a 93-73 victory against the Toronto Tempo on Friday night. Young also impressed with eight assists and zero turnovers, while Chelsea Gray chipped in with 11 points. This game marked the Aces’ first match without NaLyssa Smith, who sustained a season-ending left leg injury in their recent win over Toronto.
Isabelle Harrison led the scoring for Toronto with 15 points, followed by Laura Juskaite with 14 points, Kia Nurse with 12 points, and Kiki Rice and Kiana Williams both adding 10 points each. The win on Friday ensured that the Aces (27-13) maintained their one-game lead for third place in the WNBA playoff standings ahead of Indiana (26-14), who also secured a victory over Connecticut with a score of 111-91.
Las Vegas took the lead early in the game after Young’s 3-pointer broke an 8-8 tie. They stayed ahead throughout the game, finishing the first quarter with a 27-17 lead, shooting 50% from the field, including 6-of-12 from beyond the arc. Toronto struggled with turnovers, committing nine in the first quarter.
The Aces continued their strong performance in the second quarter, heading into halftime with a commanding 56-39 lead. Despite a slight dip in their 3-point shooting, Las Vegas still managed a 50% shooting rate (18-for-36) in the quarter. Toronto’s 12 personal fouls in the first half allowed the Aces to capitalize from the foul line, shooting an impressive 13 for 14.
In upcoming games, the Tempo will face the Phoenix Mercury, while the Aces are set to play against the Seattle Storm on Thursday, September 17.