The Aces — losers of three of their last four games — needed a win badly. And thanks to an A’ja Wilson game-winning layup, they got it done, pulling out a 77-75 victory over the Sky.
Chennedy Carter just hit two of the most clutch shots you’ll see, but then A’ja Wilson happened
An A’ja Wilson game-winner helped the Aces overcome a late rally by Chennedy Carter and the Sky.
Photo by Melissa Tamez/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Noa Dalzell is a senior writer covering the WNBA and all of women’s basketball for Breakaway, SB Nation’s women’s sports vertical, as well as the Celtics for CelticsBlog.
Chicago trailed by 6 points with 37 seconds to go, when Chennedy Carter scored six consecutive points to tie the game. First came a three-pointer with 37 seconds to go, and then another to tie things up with a second to play. The shots came as part of a 12-2 run by the Sky to help erase a 13-point fourth-quarter deficit.
Unfortunately for Chicago, one second was enough time for Aces point guard Chelsea Gray to hit Wilson with the perfect pass. The two-time MVP laid it in for her 20th point of the night, securing the victory for Las Vegas.
Wilson finished the game with 20 points on just 8-28 shooting, the least efficient game of her MVP-caliber season. She also notched 18 rebounds, 3 blocks, 2 assists, and 2 steals. Kelsey Plum added 18 points on 8-17 shooting, while Megan Gustafson capitalized on the rare start to score 13 points on 3-5 from three.
For Chicago, Chennedy Carter led the way with 25 points on 9-20 shooting, Lindsay Allen added 16 points on 5 assists, and Angel Reese posted 11 points and 22 rebounds. The loss to the Aces was Reese’s third consecutive game with at least 20 rebounds, an unprecedented streak.
With the win, the Aces improve to 18-11 (5th overall), while the Sky fall to 11-18 (8th), holding onto a half-game lead over the Dream for the last spot in the playoff picture.
Wilson poked some fun at her uncharacteristic inefficiency on the night with a tweet shortly after the game.
