The Aces struggled in the first half but still led over the Dream. After coming back even stronger in the second half and defeated the Dream. Many players stepped up for this team and helped them to victory. This leads them to a 1-1 record after falling short to the Chicago Sky on Sunday. That leads to the question, what’s next for the Aces?
A Team Win
Every player for the Aces played and scored for the Aces. From A’ja Wilson to Sugar Rodgers, every player contributed. Five players out of the 10 available players scored in double digits. A’ja Wilson led the Aces and scored a second double-double with 21 PTS and 11 REB. Dearica Hamby had 20 PTS, 7 REB, and 2 STL. Kayla McBride had 14 PTS, 3 AST, 2 STL. Angel McCoughtry had 12 PTS, 7 REB, 2 STL, and Lindsay Allen had 11 PTS.
🎥Highlights🎥
— Las Vegas Aces (@LVAces) July 30, 2020
5 players scored in double digits as the Aces took the 💯-70 win over the Dream.@_ajawilson22: 21 PTS | 11 PTS@dearicamarie: 20 PTS | 7 REB | 2 STL@kaymac_2123: 14 PTS | 3 AST | 2 STL@Angel_35: 12 PTS | 7 REB | 2 STL@LA_Cruisen: 11 PTS | 5-7 FG#ALLIN ♦️♠️ pic.twitter.com/bm4ljSYaMy
Post Game Look
The Aces fought a hard battle. I had the opportunity to get in on the press conference. This is what Bill Laimbeer had to say about the change from the first half to the second half:
“The first half we had way too many turnovers and we would have been up by twenty then. We took care of the turnovers in the second half”.
Las Vegas Aces Head Coach Bill Laimbeer
A huge key player was A’ja Wilson. Her defense as well as the teams was a huge contribution as to why this team won.
“Team defense was really, really good. We focus everyday on it and it really showed… we are starting to trust each-other more and be there for each-other more and that’s what really matters”.
Las Vegas Aces Forward: A’ja Wilson
Angel McCoughtry is one example of what it means for a team win.
“I wanted to get everyone involved. Tonight [July 29th] was the night where I didn’t have to do much scoring. I did a lot more passing and getting people involved”.
Las Vegas Guard: Angel McCoughtry
What’s Next?
The Aces still have a long schedule ahead of them and tonight is no exception. This team will tip-off for the third time this week at 10 PM ET on CBSSN and MYLVTV against the Phoenix Mercury. The Mercury are coming off two losses but still have a very strong team. The Mercury have key players such as Skylar Diggins-Smith, Brittney Griner, and Diana Taurasi.
The Aces need to continue to use key players like A’ja Wilson and Angel McCoughtry in order to be successful. Like Bill Laimbeer mentioned turnovers were a huge contributing factor for the Aces. Once the Aces were able to get the turnovers under control their lead increased dramatically. The defense is a huge factor for this team. They were able to keep the Dream to only 70 points while they scored 100 points. Defense, especially team defense will help this team beat the Mercury and win many games coming forward.
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