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A’ja Wilson scored 38 points, but the Aces could not protect a late lead in a 100-99 loss to the Washington Mystics on Wednesday at CareFirst Arena.
Las Vegas shot 55 percent and forced 13 turnovers. However, Washington grabbed 12 offensive rebounds and scored 48 paint points. Those extra possessions decided the game.
Before tipoff, Becky Hammon said the Aces had to “meet people outside the white picket fence.” Instead, the Mystics repeatedly reached the paint and punished Las Vegas on the glass.
Early edge
Jackie Young scored eight points and handed out three assists as the Aces took a 22-21 lead after one quarter. Wilson added seven points, three rebounds and a block.
Las Vegas shot 50 percent, scored 12 paint points and committed no turnovers. NaLyssa Smith added two blocks as the Aces held Washington to 37 percent shooting.
Jewell Loyd broke a 19-19 tie with a late 3-pointer. Michaela Onyenwere then made two free throws to pull the Mystics within one.
Glass gap
Washington opened the second quarter with six straight points and led by as many as six. Wilson scored seven points as the Aces worked back into the game.
Young found Smith in transition for a layup that gave Las Vegas a 38-37 lead. Chelsea Gray later hit a 3-pointer, but Kiki Iriafen’s late hook sent Washington into halftime ahead 46-45.
The Aces shot 56 percent and recorded 12 assists in the half. Still, the Mystics held a 21-14 rebounding edge, including nine offensive boards. Washington also established deep paint position and created second chances.
Turnover push
Young scored 11 points in the third as the Aces opened the half with sharper pace. Wilson added 10, while Gray scored nine to help Las Vegas win the quarter 33-25.
The 33 points tied a season high for the Aces. Las Vegas also scored 33 in the third quarter of its 105-78 win at Los Angeles on May 10.
Las Vegas forced seven Washington turnovers and created transition chances. Loyd added a late 3-pointer as the Aces carried a 78-71 lead into the fourth.
Late reversal
Wilson scored 14 points in the fourth as the Aces pushed their lead to nine. Gray then converted a falling and-one to put Las Vegas ahead 94-90 with 2:11 left.
Washington kept attacking the paint. Shakira Austin scored eight straight Mystics points during a late surge, including the game-winning three-point play.
Wilson made two free throws for a 98-95 lead with 30.6 seconds left. She later split another pair, leaving Las Vegas ahead 99-97.
Sonia Citron missed a layup on Washington’s next possession, but Austin grabbed the offensive rebound. She scored through contact and made the free throw for a 100-99 lead with 12.8 seconds left.
Gray missed a 3-pointer on the final possession. The Mystics won the fourth quarter 29-21 and erased the Aces’ late advantage.
Wilson finished 12 of 16 from the field and 12 of 13 at the line. Her 38 points marked her second-highest scoring game of the season and her eighth game with at least 30 points.
Young added 24 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. Gray scored 19, while Loyd finished with eight.
Still, Washington’s work inside outweighed Las Vegas’ shooting and ball security. The Mystics finished with a 35-24 rebounding edge and took nine more shots from the field.
Up Next
The Aces enter the All-Star break before Becky Hammon, Jackie Young and A’ja Wilson represent Team Spoon on Saturday against Team Coop. Tipoff is set for 5:30 p.m. Pacific at the United Center in Chicago.
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