The Las Vegas Aces pulled off a thrilling 77-75 victory over the Chicago Sky on Sunday, getting the win off a massive shot from A’ja Wilson. The game came down to the wire, but Wilson slotted in a layup in the final second of the game to give the Aces the win.
The Aces trailed most of the first half before taking off in the third quarter. But it was Chicago who made the comeback, picking away at Las Vegas‘ lead up until the final seconds.
Chennedy Carter, who had a massive 25-point game for Chicago, tied things up with seconds left.
But Wilson came in clutch yet again, putting a perfectly placed layup for the win.
Wilson finished with 20 points and 18 rebounds, as well as two steals and three blocks to keep things up on the defensive end. The 28-year-old center continues to have an MVP-caliber season, averaging 26.8 points, 11.7 rebounds, two steals and 2.6 blocks per game this season.
Despite the stat line, it was a somewhat contentious game for the MVP front-runner, who expressed her discontent early in the game. In an interview during the break between the first and second quarters, Wilson seemingly called out the referees and the members of the opposing team, and was clearly frustrated.
“Everyone has to do their job. From the players, to the refs, to the coaches, we all have to do our job. I don’t appreciate being looked at and stared at as if you’re trying to intimidate me, or act like I don’t have a voice on this court,” Wilson said. “If I get fined for this, I am terribly sorry, but it’s ridiculous. We’ve been going through this all season, so, everybody’s got to do their job.”
“Everyone has to do their job. From the players, to the refs to the coaches … I don’t appreciate being looked at and stared at as if you’re trying to intimidate me.”
A’ja Wilson sounded off during Aces-Sky 👀
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) August 25, 2024
Wilson picked up a double-double in the first half, scoring 14 points and grabbing 10 rebounds before heading into the locker room. But she also only made 6 of 20 shots in the first half, an unusually low shooting percentage for the two-time MVP. (Wilson is currently averaging 52.3% on field goals this season.)
After the game, Wilson indicated that her shooting struggles might have fueled her frustration. “Could’ve built a house with my bricks today,” she said in a post on X, but also called it a “lovely Sunday afternoon” after the victory.
Wilson said that “The Basketball Gods” were smiling on her after all with that final shot.
Angel Reese had another massive game for the Sky, picking up 22 rebounds and 11 points. The double-double marked Reese’s historic third consecutive game with 20+ rebounds, while also giving her a tie with Tina Charles for the most double-doubles in a rookie season. Kelsey Plum also showed up strong for the Aces in the second half, putting up 18 points, five rebounds and five assists.
The win breaks a two-game slide for the Aces, who had two tough back-to-back losses to the Minnesota Lynx on Wednesday and Friday. The Sky, meanwhile, are on a three-game losing streak of their own, but will hope to break it against the Washington Mystics on Wednesday.
