McCoughtry joins W25 as Aces lose on the road against Sky, 92-84

The Las Vegas Aces (20-8) lost a back-and-forth game on the road against the Chicago Sky (15-14), 92-84 at Wintrust Arena Sunday, Sept. 5.

Las Vegas was still without its major pieces, center Liz Cambage (Covid protocol) and forward Dearica Hamby (ankle).

The Aces will now return home as they will square off against the Minnesota Lynx (18-9) Wednesday, Sept. 8, with tip-off set for 6 p.m. PST.

Las Vegas trailed by eight at halftime, 54-46.

Coming out of the break the Aces were able to cut into that lead, making it a three-point deficit, heading into the fourth quarter.

During the fourth quarter, the Aces were unable to get second chance points when needed, off missed shots and layups. Las Vegas did increase their defensive pressure against Chicago forcing them to make tough shots down the stretch.

Guard Riquna Williams was fouled on a made two-point jumper, giving her the chance to make a three-point play, however she missed the free throw attempt keeping the game, 87-84, with 2:18 left to play in the fourth quarter.

The Aces were unable to find their rhythm late in the fourth quarter, shooting 0-of-6 from the field during their late game run, leaving them no choice but to foul the Sky.

The Sky went 5-for-6 at the free throw line to close out the Aces.

Forward A’ja Wilson’s double-double was not enough to leave Wintrust Arena with a win.

Wilson recorded 18 points and 12 rebounds making it her 15th on the season and 35th in her career.

Guard Kelsey Plum chipped in with 23 points off-the-bench, while fellow guard Jackie Young posted 12 points, four rebounds and four assists.

Williams also reached double digits with 14 points.

With Cambage down, center Kiah Stokes recorded five points, 10 rebounds and three blocked shots. While Stokes is not the offensive player that Cambage is, defensively she can fill the void.

The Aces currently are missing the point production of Cambage and Hamby in the team’s most recent games resulting in some shaky offensive moments.

After defeating the Aces, the Sky clinched a playoff spot making it the third time under coach James Wade.

Chicago was led by guard Allie Quigley’s 22 points, four assists and three rebounds and guard Diamond DeShields’ 17 points in 21 minutes off the bench.

Forward Candace Parker also was a key piece in the Sky defeating the Aces.

Parker recorded a double-double 12 points, 13 rebounds and eight assists, almost notching a triple-double.

The Aces remain in second place in the WNBA with a 20-8 record, sitting behind the Connecticut Sun (21-6).

At halftime of the game, the WNBA celebrated its landmark 25 seasons today, announcing “The W25”, a collection of the most inspirational and influenceable players in WNBA history.

As of the 25 players celebrated in the program, one of them is current Las Vegas Aces guard Angel McCoughtry and former San Antonio Becky Hammon, were both listed.

The W25 currently includes 10 active players: Sue Bird (Storm), Tina Charles (Mystics), Elena Delle Donne (Mystics), Sylvia Fowles (Lynx), Brittney Griner (Mercury), McCoughtry (Aces), Nneka Ogwumike (Sparks), Parker (Sky), Breanna Stewart (Storm), Diana Taurasi (Mercury).

It also includes 15 retired players: Seimone Augustus, Swin Cash, Tamika Catchings, Cynthia Cooper, Yolanda Griffith, Becky Hammon, Lauren Jackson, Lisa Leslie, Maya Moore, Ticha Penicherio, Cappie Pondexter, Katie Smith, Sheryl Swoopes, Tina Thompson, and Lindsay Whalen.

“Throughout this season, the WNBA and our fans are celebrating the impact the WNBA has made on sports and society over a quarter of a century,” said WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. “I can think of no better way to honor those responsible for that impact than by unveiling the members of this prestigious group, The W25. These athletes have played the game at the highest level on the court – they are scorers and rebounders, assist makers and defensive stoppers, leaders and mentors. In the community, they have powerful voices, individually and collectively, speaking out on important issues in our society. Together, they have transformed the way the game is played, changed the way athletes are viewed, become incredible role models, and inspired generations of young, diverse athletes.”