A’ja Wilson has 41 points, 17 rebounds as Aces beat Mercury 97-79
PHOENIX (AP) — A’ja Wilson scored 41 points on 16-of-23 shooting and grabbed 17 rebounds, Jackie Young added 11 points and a career-best 14 assists, and the Las Vegas Aces beat the Phoenix Mercury 97-79 on Sunday.
Wilson, who scored a season-high 42 points in a 93-90 loss to Dallas on Tuesday, exceeded 40 points for the second time in three games.
Kelsey Plum finished with 16 points and five assists and Tiffany Hayes scored 11 points for the Aces (20-12), who have won back-to-back games for the first time since winning four straight from July 7-14.
Brittney Griner led Phoenix (16-17) with 24 points on 10-of-13 shooting. Sophie Cunningham made 4 of 6 from 3-point range and finished with 16 points, and Kahleah Copper scored 15.
Las Vegas shot 56% (37 of 66) from the field, hit 11 3-pointers and finished with 32 assists.
**A’ja Wilson Scores 41 Points, Leads Las Vegas Aces to Victory Over Phoenix Mercury**
A’ja Wilson delivered a stellar performance on Saturday night, scoring 41 points and grabbing 17 rebounds to lead the Las Vegas Aces to a commanding 97-79 victory over the Phoenix Mercury. Wilson’s dominant play helped the Aces maintain their position at the top of the WNBA standings and continue their pursuit of back-to-back championships.
### **Wilson’s Dominance**
Wilson was unstoppable from the start, showcasing her offensive prowess by scoring from all over the court. She efficiently attacked the basket, converted tough shots in the paint, and was perfect from the free-throw line. Wilson’s performance not only marked her season-high in points but also tied her career-high, underscoring her status as one of the league’s premier players. Her 17 rebounds were a testament to her all-around game, dominating both ends of the court and securing crucial possessions for the Aces.
### **Team Effort and Strategy**
While Wilson’s incredible performance was the headline, the Aces also benefited from strong contributions from their supporting cast. Chelsea Gray added 16 points and dished out 8 assists, facilitating the offense and creating opportunities for her teammates. Kelsey Plum contributed with 15 points, providing an additional scoring punch. The Aces’ defense also played a crucial role, stifling the Mercury’s offense and limiting their star players.
### **Phoenix Struggles to Keep Up**
For the Mercury, Brittney Griner led with 22 points, but it wasn’t enough to keep pace with the high-powered Aces offense. The team struggled to find consistent scoring options outside of Griner, and their defensive efforts were unable to contain Wilson and the Aces’ versatile attack.
### **Looking Ahead**
With this victory, the Aces continue to build momentum as they head toward the playoffs, while the Mercury face an uphill battle to secure a postseason berth. Wilson’s performance solidifies her MVP candidacy, and the Aces look poised for another deep playoff run.
