3 takeaways from the Aces win over the Los Angeles Sparks – Las Vegas Review-Journal

After a scoreless third quarter for Aja Wilson, Las Vegas coach Bill Laimbeer voiced his displeasure by saying she wasnt being competitive enough.

Wilson made amends in the fourth quarter, scoring 12 points and finishing with 26 points and 11 rebounds to help the Aces to their third straight win, 86-82 over Los Angeles, on Friday at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida.

It just really ticked me off to the point that Im like, OK, now Ive got to prove you wrong, Wilson said. I get what theyre doing. I really do. I understand it. You can call me a bunch of things, but dont call me uncompetitive because I want to be there for my team. And thats what happened.

Angel McCoughtry added 24 points, eight rebounds, five assists and three steals for the Aces (4-2). Candice Parker finished with 20 points and 12 rebounds for Los Angeles, while teammate Sydney Wiese scored 18 points, the most shes had in a game since May 19, 2017, when she had 22 in the second game of her career.

1. Wilson stepping out

While Wilson, who will turn 24 on Saturday, already has established herself as one of the leagues top players, shes always looking to add to her game.

As a rookie, she was aggressive taking the ball to the basket. Last year, she shot more midrange jumpers. This year, shes combined the two, and has started to step out further for her shots.

Shes really perfected the midrange shot and is extending that another 2 or 3 feet, Laimbeer said. Shes also learned how to create space for herself with a one-dribble step-back. Shes added pieces to her game, and theres more to be had there, too.

Wilson made a pair of jumpers from the top of the key, one just inside the 3-point line, during the Aces 10-2 run in the fourth quarter that put them ahead for good.

2. Young gets aggressive

For most of her short career with the Aces, Jackie Young has looked to pass first. Shes been asked to be more aggressive offensively and she did that Friday.

Young scored 15 points on 7-for-12 shooting and helped the Aces close the game with a pair of driving pull-up jumpers in the lane in the final 2:02.

Young also shifted defensively to help slow down Wiese, who didnt score after a layup 15 seconds into the second half.

3. Closing it out

In a shortened season, closing out games takes on added importance. The Aces blew the lead in a loss to Chicago in their opener, but they have managed to finish off opponents when theyve had the chance since.

Not only is it important to win the game, but its a confidence builder for some of our players like Jackie tonight, Laimbeer said. We have some people who can make shots, and thats what carried us.

Up next

The Aces will meet the New York Liberty at 2 p.m. Sunday.

Contact Jason Orts at jorts@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2936. Follow @SportsWithOrts on Twitter.