3 takeaways from Aces’ win: Rookie earns praise in WNBA debut (2024)

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Aces defeat Sparks 89-82 in second game of season

Game Recap: Sparks vs. Aces (5/18/24)

3 takeaways from Aces’ win: Rookie earns praise in WNBA debut (1)

Aces forward Alysha Clark (7) looks to block a shot by Los Angeles Sparks forward Dearica Hamby (5) during the first half of their NBA game at the Michelob Ultra Arena on Saturday, May 18, 2024, in Las Vegas. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @Left_Eye_Images

3 takeaways from Aces’ win: Rookie earns praise in WNBA debut (2)

Aces forward Alysha Clark (7) looks to block a shot by Los Angeles Sparks forward Dearica Hamby (5) during the first half of their NBA game at the Michelob Ultra Arena on Saturday, May 18, 2024, in Las Vegas. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @Left_Eye_Images

3 takeaways from Aces’ win: Rookie earns praise in WNBA debut (3)

Aces guard Jackie Young (0) is down from a hard pick as center A'ja Wilson (22) questions an official against the Los Angeles Sparks during the first half of their NBA game at the Michelob Ultra Arena on Saturday, May 18, 2024, in Las Vegas. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @Left_Eye_Images

3 takeaways from Aces’ win: Rookie earns praise in WNBA debut (4)

Los Angeles Sparks guard Zia Cooke (1) grabs an Aces rebound during the first half of their NBA game at the Michelob Ultra Arena on Saturday, May 18, 2024, in Las Vegas. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @Left_Eye_Images

3 takeaways from Aces’ win: Rookie earns praise in WNBA debut (5)

Aces center Megan Gustafson (17) shoots over Los Angeles Sparks guard Kia Nurse (10) during the first half of their NBA game at the Michelob Ultra Arena on Saturday, May 18, 2024, in Las Vegas. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @Left_Eye_Images

3 takeaways from Aces’ win: Rookie earns praise in WNBA debut (6)

Aces guard Kelsey Plum (10) shoots over Los Angeles Sparks guard Lexie Brown (4) during the first half of their NBA game at the Michelob Ultra Arena on Saturday, May 18, 2024, in Las Vegas. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @Left_Eye_Images

3 takeaways from Aces’ win: Rookie earns praise in WNBA debut (7)

Aces guard Jackie Young (0) gets off a shot over Los Angeles Sparks guard Aari McDonald (15) during the first half of their NBA game at the Michelob Ultra Arena on Saturday, May 18, 2024, in Las Vegas. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @Left_Eye_Images

3 takeaways from Aces’ win: Rookie earns praise in WNBA debut (8)

Aces guard Kelsey Plum (10) looks to gets off a shot between Los Angeles Sparks guard Zia Cooke (1) and guard Aari McDonald (15) during the first half of their NBA game at the Michelob Ultra Arena on Saturday, May 18, 2024, in Las Vegas. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @Left_Eye_Images

3 takeaways from Aces’ win: Rookie earns praise in WNBA debut (9)

Los Angeles Sparks guard Zia Cooke (1) pulls down a rebound near forward Dearica Hamby (5) as Aces center Kiah Stokes (41) looks on during the first half of their NBA game at the Michelob Ultra Arena on Saturday, May 18, 2024, in Las Vegas. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @Left_Eye_Images

3 takeaways from Aces’ win: Rookie earns praise in WNBA debut (10)

during the second half of their NBA game at the Michelob Ultra Arena on Saturday, May 18, 2024, in Las Vegas. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @Left_Eye_Images

3 takeaways from Aces’ win: Rookie earns praise in WNBA debut (11)

Aces center A'ja Wilson (22) goes underneath the basket for a layup against the Los Angeles Sparks during the second half of their NBA game at the Michelob Ultra Arena on Saturday, May 18, 2024, in Las Vegas. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @Left_Eye_Images

3 takeaways from Aces’ win: Rookie earns praise in WNBA debut (12)

Aces center A'ja Wilson (22) is pumped about a score and foul against Los Angeles Sparks forward Rickea Jackson (2) during the second half of their NBA game at the Michelob Ultra Arena on Saturday, May 18, 2024, in Las Vegas. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @Left_Eye_Images

3 takeaways from Aces’ win: Rookie earns praise in WNBA debut (13)

Aces center A'ja Wilson (22) is pumped about a score and foul against Los Angeles Sparks forward Rickea Jackson (2) during the second half of their NBA game at the Michelob Ultra Arena on Saturday, May 18, 2024, in Las Vegas. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @Left_Eye_Images

3 takeaways from Aces’ win: Rookie earns praise in WNBA debut (14)

Aces center A'ja Wilson (22) is pumped about a score and foul with a yell near Los Angeles Sparks guard Layshia Clarendon (25) during the second half of their NBA game at the Michelob Ultra Arena on Saturday, May 18, 2024, in Las Vegas. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @Left_Eye_Images

3 takeaways from Aces’ win: Rookie earns praise in WNBA debut (15)

Aces center A'ja Wilson (22) goes underneath the basket for a layup beating Los Angeles Sparks forward Dearica Hamby (5) to the net during the second half of their NBA game at the Michelob Ultra Arena on Saturday, May 18, 2024, in Las Vegas. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @Left_Eye_Images

3 takeaways from Aces’ win: Rookie earns praise in WNBA debut (16)

Aces guard Kate Martin (20) elevates for a shot over Los Angeles Sparks guard Kia Nurse (10) during the second half of their NBA game at the Michelob Ultra Arena on Saturday, May 18, 2024, in Las Vegas. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @Left_Eye_Images

3 takeaways from Aces’ win: Rookie earns praise in WNBA debut (17)

Los Angeles Sparks guard Zia Cooke (1) looks to shoot as Aces center A'ja Wilson (22) defends during the second half of their NBA game at the Michelob Ultra Arena on Saturday, May 18, 2024, in Las Vegas. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @Left_Eye_Images

3 takeaways from Aces’ win: Rookie earns praise in WNBA debut (18)

Aces center A'ja Wilson (22) battles underneath the basket for a rebound beating Los Angeles Sparks forward Dearica Hamby (5) to the ball during the second half of their NBA game at the Michelob Ultra Arena on Saturday, May 18, 2024, in Las Vegas. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @Left_Eye_Images

3 takeaways from Aces’ win: Rookie earns praise in WNBA debut (19)

Aces head coach Becky Hammon listens to a headset on a break in the action against the Los Angeles Sparks during the second half of their NBA game at the Michelob Ultra Arena on Saturday, May 18, 2024, in Las Vegas. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @Left_Eye_Images

3 takeaways from Aces’ win: Rookie earns praise in WNBA debut (20)

Aces guard Jackie Young (0) signals another three-point basket over the Los Angeles Sparks during the second half of their NBA game at the Michelob Ultra Arena on Saturday, May 18, 2024, in Las Vegas. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @Left_Eye_Images

3 takeaways from Aces’ win: Rookie earns praise in WNBA debut (21)

The Aces bench is shocked by a big shot by a teammate against the Los Angeles Sparks during the second half of their NBA game at the Michelob Ultra Arena on Saturday, May 18, 2024, in Las Vegas. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @Left_Eye_Images

3 takeaways from Aces’ win: Rookie earns praise in WNBA debut (22)

Aces guard Jackie Young (0) battles inside on a drive against the Los Angeles Sparks guard Kia Nurse (10) during the second half of their NBA game at the Michelob Ultra Arena on Saturday, May 18, 2024, in Las Vegas. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @Left_Eye_Images

3 takeaways from Aces’ win: Rookie earns praise in WNBA debut (23)

Aces guard Kelsey Plum (10) post up for a three-point basket as Los Angeles Sparks forward Cameron Brink (22) looks on during the second half of their NBA game at the Michelob Ultra Arena on Saturday, May 18, 2024, in Las Vegas. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @Left_Eye_Images

3 takeaways from Aces’ win: Rookie earns praise in WNBA debut (24)

Aces guard Jackie Young (0) battles for a shot against the Los Angeles Sparks forward Dearica Hamby (5) during the second half of their NBA game at the Michelob Ultra Arena on Saturday, May 18, 2024, in Las Vegas. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @Left_Eye_Images

3 takeaways from Aces’ win: Rookie earns praise in WNBA debut (25)

Aces guard Kelsey Plum (10) gets off a pass under double coverage by Los Angeles Sparks guard Layshia Clarendon (25) and forward Dearica Hamby (5) during the second half of their NBA game at the Michelob Ultra Arena on Saturday, May 18, 2024, in Las Vegas. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @Left_Eye_Images

3 takeaways from Aces’ win: Rookie earns praise in WNBA debut (26)

Aces head coach Becky Hammon is shocked by a call as an official attempts to explain herb side against the Los Angeles Sparks during the second half of their NBA game at the Michelob Ultra Arena on Saturday, May 18, 2024, in Las Vegas. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @Left_Eye_Images

3 takeaways from Aces’ win: Rookie earns praise in WNBA debut (27)

Los Angeles Sparks forward Rickea Jackson (2) takes a shot from Aces guard Kate Martin (20) underneath as guard Kelsey Plum (10) is close during the second half of their NBA game at the Michelob Ultra Arena on Saturday, May 18, 2024, in Las Vegas. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @Left_Eye_Images

3 takeaways from Aces’ win: Rookie earns praise in WNBA debut (28)

Aces guard Jackie Young (0) signals another three-point basket over the Los Angeles Sparks during the second half of their NBA game at the Michelob Ultra Arena on Saturday, May 18, 2024, in Las Vegas. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @Left_Eye_Images

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ByCallie Lawson-Freeman/Las Vegas Review-Journal

May 18, 2024 - 2:15 pm

Updated May 18, 2024 - 7:56 pm

Los Angeles Sparks coach Curt Miller said before Saturday’s game it feels like he’s preparing for a playoff matchup every time he touches down in Las Vegas.

As such, the Aces and Sparks came out and played like it was the postseason.

A’ja Wilson scored 22 points, grabbed 10 rebounds and led the back-to-back champion Aces (2-0) to a 89-82 win Saturday at Michelob Ultra Arena. Former Aces forward Dearica Hamby had a career and game-high 29 points for the Sparks (0-2).

Wilson was held to just two points on 1-for-8 shooting the first quarter and the Aces trailed 18-16. The team went on a 17-1 before halftime, however, to take a 42-33 lead heading into the break.

Wilson made eight of her final 12 shots in the victory and notched her second double-double of the season. She has 78 in her career, the fourth-most among active players.

Rookie Kate Martin made her WNBA debut during the fast-paced, physical matchup. She scored three points and made an impact in several other facets to send the sellout crowd into a frenzy.

Here are three takeaways for the win:

1. Martin shines

Martin, the former Iowa standout the Aces drafted in the second round in April, made her first WNBA appearance when she subbed in for veteran Alysha Clark with 3:12 remaining in the first quarter.

The 23-year-old was plus-11 by the end of the second.

Martin made several key plays, like grabbing an offensive rebound with 2:48 left in the second quarter after Wilson missed a free throw. Clark made a 3 the ensuing possession.

Martin then scored her first career points after making a 3 of her own with 1:13 left in the quarter. The announced crowd of 10,286 went crazy afterwards.

Martin even blocked a shot from Sparks center Li Yueru, who is listed at 6-foot-7. Kelsey Plum chest bumped her new teammate after the highlight play.

“She just doesn’t make mistakes,” coach Becky Hammon said of Martin. “She executed our schemes really well — better than some other people, maybe at times that you would expect. She plays so hard. Her sense of urgency and attention to detail has just really been there the whole time.”

2. Back to the future

Martin wasn’t the only rookie who earned the spotlight.

Cameron Brink, the No. 2 overall pick in April’s draft, had three blocks in the first quarter alone. She rejected Wilson once and Jackie Young twice.

“She has a really, really bright future,” Wilson said of Brink, who finished with five blocks.

Hamby’s ties to the Aces still loomed large as well. The 30-year-old was traded by the Aces while pregnant in 2023 and scored the first points of the game at the free-throw line after being fouled by Young.

Hamby told reporters after the game she was emotional in her return to Las Vegas last season. But she promised her teammates she wouldn’t “be soft this time.”

Hamby finished 12 of 16 from the field and added nine rebounds.

3. Adjusting without Gray

Young ran the offense Saturday with point guard Chelsea Gray out for the second straight game with a lower left leg injury.

She did an impressive job. Young scored 22 points and dished out a career-high 11 assists, which earned her praise from Wilson.

“Jackie is one of the best two-way players in this league and now she’s been able to facilitate,” Wilson said.

Plum and Clark added 17 and 13 points, respectively.

The Aces may not be without Gray for long. She said rumors she’s out for the season are “not true.”

Gray hasn’t played since getting hurt in Game 3 of the WNBA Finals on Oct. 15. Hammon said she is looking to ease Gray back into action given the WNBA has a packed schedule this season thanks to the Summer Olympics.

“She’s never down with taking it slow,” Hammon said. “So yeah, I’m gonna have to make her take it slow.”

Contact Callie Lawson-Freeman at clawsonfreeman@reviewjournal.com. Follow @CallieJLaw on X.

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3 takeaways from Aces’ win: Rookie earns praise in WNBA debut (2024)

FAQs

How much are the WNBA aces worth? ›

The average Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) franchise is worth US$96 million, with the Las Vegas Aces leading the way with a US$140 million valuation, according to Sportico's data.

Which conference of the WNBA group of answer choices are the LV aces a part of? ›

Las Vegas Aces
2024 Las Vegas Aces season
ConferenceWestern
LeaguesWNBA
Founded1997
16 more rows

In what year did the LV aces become an official team of the WNBA? ›

The Las Vegas Aces began their WNBA journey in 1997 as the Utah Starzz. After moving to San Antonio in 2003, the team was purchased by MGM Resorts & Entertainment following the 2017 season and the Las Vegas Aces played their first season in the sports and entertainment capital of the world in 2018.

What WNBA team is worth the most? ›

The team had $15 million in revenue in 2023. The WNBA's most valuable team is the Las Vegas Aces ($140 million), followed by the Seattle Storm ($135 million) and New York Liberty ($130 million).

How much do the WNBA aces make? ›

2024 Active Roster Cap
Player (12)PosBase Salary
Kelsey PlumG$200,000
A'ja WilsonC$200,000
Chelsea GrayG$196,267
Jackie YoungG$169,950
8 more rows

Why is WNBA investigating Aces? ›

The Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) is investigating a sponsorship deal that would see each Las Vegas Aces player receive US$100,000 for the current campaign and in 2025. The player bonuses are being issued by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, which announced the arrangement on 17th May.

What is WNBA first team? ›

As of the 2022 season, the top five players with the highest point total make the first team, with the next five making the second team.

What WNBA team was the Monarchs? ›

The Sacramento Monarchs were a professional basketball team based in Sacramento, California. They played in the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) from 1997 until folding on November 20, 2009.

When was the WNBA debut? ›

The Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) is a women's professional basketball league based in the United States. It is composed of 12 teams. The league was founded on April 24, 1996, as the women's counterpart to the National Basketball Association (NBA), and league play started in 1997.

Is the Las Vegas Aces a good team? ›

The Aces trounced opponents to the tune of a 15.3 net rating last year because of their league-best 97.7 defensive rating. In a mere six of their 40 games, they allowed more than 90 points.

Where do the Aces practice? ›

The 80,000 sf facility houses the Aces' practice facility, offices, training room, and lockers and is located adjacent to the Raiders Headquarters.

How much is the WNBA fever worth? ›

Indiana Fever ($90 Million)

The Indiana Fever have sold out various games this season as fans race to watch the No. 1 pick Caitlin Clark in action. Last year, the Fever brought in $9.1 million in revenue, and that number will likely increase majorly ahead of next season. The team is valued at $90 million.

What is the prize money for the WNBA? ›

The winning team for the WNBA Commissioner's Cup will split a prize pool of $500,000. Team rosters have a minimum size of 11 players and a maximum size of 12 players, as outlined by the WNBA's Collective Bargaining Agreement. For rosters with the maximum 12 players, the prize money averages to about $41,700 per player.

How much does Caitlin Clark make? ›

Clark will receive a four-year contract worth a total of $338,056, according to the WNBA's CBA. The first four picks of the WNBA draft are each slotted at the same value, meaning Clark and subsequent draft picks Cameron Brink, Kamilla Cardoso and Rickea Jackson will each receive the same amount of money.

What is Brittney Griner's salary? ›

The average annual salary in the WNBA for the 2021 season was $120,648, up from $74,349 in 2019. A top salary position in the WNBA is roughly $221k, with Griner earning what is known as a 'supermax salary' of around $227k a year.

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