In a commanding performance, A’ja Wilson scored 27 points to lead the Las Vegas Aces to a 78-72 victory over the Golden State Valkyries in San Francisco on Wednesday night. Wilson was exceptionally efficient, shooting 8-for-11 from the field and a perfect 11-for-11 from the free-throw line. She also made WNBA history, recording two first-quarter blocks to become the 10th player to reach 500 career blocks.
After leading 43-38 at halftime, the Aces took control in the third quarter. A 3-pointer from Jackie Young gave Las Vegas the lead for good at 51-48, and the team closed the period on a 13-4 run to establish a 64-54 advantage.
The Valkyries mounted a fourth-quarter comeback, holding the Aces scoreless for nearly the first four minutes to close the gap to 66-63. However, a crucial 5-0 run by Las Vegas, punctuated by a Jewell Loyd 3-pointer, pushed the lead back to 74-65 with 2:47 remaining. Wilson secured the win by sinking two free throws with 34.9 seconds left.
Supporting Wilson for the Aces (16-14), both Young and Loyd contributed 14 points.
For Golden State (14-15), Tiffany Hayes led the scoring with 14 points, while Janelle Salaun added 13. Carla Leite and Kaila Charles each chipped in with 11 points.
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