LAS VEGAS, NV — The Las Vegas Aces delivered a heart-pounding performance in their regular-season home opener, overcoming a late-game deficit to edge out the Washington Mystics 75-72. Trailing by eight points with just over three minutes remaining, the Aces demonstrated resilience, teamwork, and unwavering fighting spirit to secure the win on their home turf.
Jewell Loyd, one of the league’s premier shooters, played a pivotal role in the comeback. Her teammates and coaching staff reinforced her confidence, constantly encouraging her to keep shooting.
“Yeah, you know, the whole game, everyone was telling me to keep shooting,” Loyd said about the game-winning moment. “Right before we got out, A’ja Wilson said, ‘Shoot the ball.’ I was like, ‘okay.’ And, you know, she made a great pass, and I didn’t fade.” Her fearless shot from the corner, which ultimately sank the game-winning three, exemplified her resilience. “Apparently. You had nowhere to fade in the corner. Thankfully it went in, so it was great,” Loyd added with a smile.
The game was a testament to the team’s toughness and collective focus, especially considering the high and low moments that characterized the contest. “I know y’all are tired, y’all. But, man. It’s not even about the game and running up and down. There were so many highs and then lows, and it went up and down, up and down the entire time. We were down eight with three-something left. That’s a gutsy win with a team that hasn’t been together that long. On our home court, our fans stay with us, so shout out to them,” Chelsea Gray said about the Aces’ gritty effort to The Hardwood 94.
Gray emphasized the importance of fan support in lifting the team during challenging moments.
“They never thought we were going to lose that game, and so that’s what we needed. That’s why we want to win as many home games as possible. I don’t think we wanted a nail-biter, our home opener, but, you know, it’s definitely a lot better beyond this side of pressure. And feeling like you said, our fans stayed with it all through.”
Loyd also reflected on the team’s chemistry and how they faced a young Mystics squad.
“I think we definitely showed that tonight. They have a young core that’s really solid. With Kiki [Iriafen], I would include Sonia Citron in that as well. And Kiki’s ability to play well on both sides of the ball early, that’s tough when you’re a rookie, and you’re facing who you’re facing straight out the gate. So yeah, they have a solid young core over there.”
The Mystics’ young talent, particularly Kiki Iriafen and Sonia Citron, impressed Gray with their skill and composure. She noted, “They have a young core that’s really solid. Facing them early on is no easy feat.“
Several player contributions fueled the Las Vegas rally.Gray praised the young team’s depth and tenacity throughout the game.
“Another person that was really solid for us was Dana Evans, coming in, being huge, picking up the ball full court, giving us energy and life. Crystal Bradford is coming in and giving us minutes, KB [Kirsten Bell]. Everybody came in and tried to give us an energy and a boost.” The collective effort exemplified the team’s depth and unity.
The standout defensive play in the closing moments was orchestrated by Kiah Stokes, whose last-minute effort helped secure the victory. Gray pointed out the strategic understanding on the court.
“In the locker room, we said that basketball was going to A’ja Wilson, and many of our plays are designed to hit somebody. But if that option isn’t open, you go to the next person. It’s designed to share the basketball. And so we ran that play again. We knew they’d show a double team all night. We just needed to knock it down, and she made two huge plays in traffic.“
As the Aces prepare to face the Seattle Storm in their next game, the team’s early-season resilience and collective fight give fans every reason to be optimistic. With stars like Loyd, Wilson, Jackie Young, and Gray leading the charge and a supporting cast ready to step up, the Aces are poised for an exciting season filled with gutsy wins and high-energy basketball.
