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A’ja Wilson makes a thrilling layup – and gets some heated reactions – as the Aces take the win over the Sky
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A’ja Wilson makes a thrilling layup – and gets some heated reactions – as the Aces take the win over the Sky

CHICAGO, IL - AUGUST 25: A'ja Wilson #22 of the Las Vegas Aces reacts after a play during the first half of a WNBA game against the Chicago Sky on August 25, 2024 at Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Melissa Tamez/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

The Las Vegas Aces pulled off a thrilling 77-75 victory over the Chicago Sky on Sunday, taking the win thanks to a huge winner from A’ja Wilson. The game went down to the wire, but Wilson nailed a layup in the final second of the game to give the Aces the win.

The Aces trailed for most of the first half, but got going in the third quarter. But it was Chicago that made the comeback, eroding Las Vegas’ lead until the final seconds.

Chennedy Carter, who had a stellar game with 25 points for Chicago, tied the score with just seconds left.

But Wilson came through again, making a perfectly placed layup that led to the 77-75 victory.

Wilson finished with 20 points and 18 rebounds, along with two steals and three blocks to keep things steady on the defensive end. The 28-year-old center continues to have an MVP-caliber season, averaging 26.8 points, 11.7 rebounds, two steals and 2.6 blocks per game this season.

Despite the statistics, it was a somewhat contentious game for the MVP candidate, who voiced her displeasure early in the game. In an interview during the break between the first and second quarters, Wilson appeared to address the referees and members of the opposing team and was clearly frustrated.

“Everybody has to do their job. From the players to the referees to the coaches, we all have to do our job. I don’t like being looked at and stared at like you’re trying to intimidate me or like I don’t have a voice on this field,” Wilson said. “If I get fined for this, I’m terribly sorry, but it’s ridiculous. We’ve been through this all season, so everybody has to do their job.”

Wilson had a double-double in the first half, scoring 14 points and grabbing 10 rebounds before leaving the locker room. But she also made just 6 of 20 shots in the first half, an unusually low shooting percentage for the two-time MVP. (Wilson is currently averaging 52.3 percent on field goals this season.)

Angel Reese had another stellar outing for the Sky, with 22 rebounds and 11 points. The double-double marked Reese’s historic third straight game with 20+ rebounds, while also tying her with Tina Charles for most double-doubles in a rookie season. Kelsey Plum also had a strong showing for the Aces in the second half, with 18 points, five rebounds and five assists.

The win snaps a two-game losing streak for the Aces, who suffered two straight tough losses to the Minnesota Lynx on Wednesday and Friday. The Sky, meanwhile, are on a three-game losing streak of their own, but hope to snap it against the Washington Mystics on Wednesday.