Wilson Leads Aces Over Sun, Series Tied 1-1

A'ja Wilson took control to lead the Las Vegas Aces over the Connecticut Sun in
Game 2 of the WNBA semifinal series Tuesday night.

BRADENTON, Fla.—A'ja Wilson scored 29 points, grabbed seven rebounds, and had a career-high seven blocked shots to lead the top-seeded Las Vegas Aces past the Connecticut Sun 83-75 on Tuesday night.

Wilson converted a three-point play with 1:03 remaining to break a 75-75 tie. Then, following Connecticut's 17th turnover, Wilson drove the lane and made the layup while being fouled. She missed the free throw, but Angel McCoughtry grabbed the rebound and Dearica Hamby made 1 of 2 free throws for an eight-point lead. McCoughtry, Hamby and Kayla McBride each added 11 points for Las Vegas. It was Wilson's 16th game with 20-plus points this season. 

 “We were going to win this game,” said Wilson , the rising superstar out of South Carolina—Wilson was the 2018 Rookie of the Year and was named this season's Most Valuable Player. “I didn't want to be down 2-0.Got to find ways to make it happen," Wilson said. "Tried my best to do it.”

DeWanna Bonner popped in 23 points and grabbed seven boards for Connecticut, which led throughout most of the game, and Briann January added 20 points. Alyssa Thomas, averaging 15.5 points and nine rebounds, left the game in the first quarter after injuring her right shoulder and did not return. The full extent of her injury has not yet been announced, although the former Maryland star has been ruled out of Game 3.

Connecticut coach Curt Miller said he didn't know what Thomas' status was for the rest of the series. "I will find out more," he said. "Dislocated shoulder is the rumor that's floating around the bench, but it's not confirmed."

Jasmine Thomas, who scored a career-high 31 points in Game 1, was held to 10 points. With Jonquel Jones opting out of the entire season over COVID-19 concerns, and Alyssa Thomas's availability uncertain, the Sun will need Jasmine Thomas to step up her game in order to be competitive against the tournament's top seeded team.

The series resumes Wednesday night for Game 3. Tip-off is slated for 9:30 and the game will be televised on ESPN2.

Staff Reports