The Las Vegas Aces clinched their spot in the WNBA playoffs with a hard-fought 79-74 win over the Chicago Sky on Monday night, marking their 11th consecutive victory. The win not only solidified Las Vegas’ postseason status but also showcased standout individual performances and set new historical milestones within the league.
Jackie Young led the charge for the Aces, delivering an impressive 22 points and seven assists, including a clutch sequence in the second quarter where she scored Las Vegas’ final 12 points of the half. Young capped her first-half heroics with a buzzer-beating three-pointer, helping the Aces establish a 44-32 lead at the break. A’ja Wilson continued her dominant season by contributing 18 points and nine rebounds, while Chelsea Gray added 14 points and seven assists. NaLyssa Smith chipped in with 10 points off the bench.
For the Sky, Ariel Atkins was a bright spot, posting a season-high 30 points. Kamilla Cardoso recorded a double-double with 19 points and 10 rebounds, and Angel Reese delivered yet another historic performance. Reese tallied 10 points and 17 rebounds, earning her league-leading 20th double-double of the season. She also surpassed Tina Charles for the most double-doubles through a player’s first two seasons in WNBA history, underscoring her rapid ascent as one of the league’s premier young talents.
The game’s closing moments were tense. Reese gave Chicago a late 74-73 lead with a fast-break layup, but the Aces responded decisively. Chelsea Gray nailed a critical three-pointer to reclaim the advantage, and Wilson’s mid-range jumper on the following possession extended the lead, sealing the win for Las Vegas.
Beyond the action on the court, the Sky paid tribute to franchise legend Candace Parker at halftime by raising her retired No. 3 jersey to the rafters of Wintrust Arena. Parker, a two-time WNBA champion and former MVP, became just the second player in league history to have her number retired by two different franchises, joining Lindsay Whalen in that exclusive club.
The Aces, now 25-14, become the second team this season to officially secure a playoff berth. Their current 11-game winning streak is a testament to their championship pedigree and statistical excellence, with the team ranking among league leaders in both offensive and defensive efficiency.
For Chicago, the loss drops them to 9-28, but the development of young stars like Reese and Cardoso offers hope for the future. The Sky’s ability to compete with elite teams, especially in high-pressure moments, suggests a promising foundation for seasons ahead.
For more game details and highlights, visit the WNBA section at AP News.