Pair of Aces birthday double-doubles overcome rookie’s breakout performance

Las Vegas forwards A'ja Wilson and NaLyssa Smith pose postgame after securing a win on their respective birthdays. Photo Credit: Las Vegas Aces

With a packed house and a pair of birthdays to celebrate, the Las Vegas Aces rose to the occasion Friday night, defeating the Seattle Storm, 90-86, from the Michelob Ultra Arena. 

This season’s fourth meeting between these teams was perhaps the most consequential. Entering with identical records, the win vaulted Las Vegas ahead of Seattle and into a tie with the Indiana Fever (17-14) for fifth overall in the WNBA standings.

But it didn’t happen without adversity.

After six first quarter lead changes, Las Vegas never trailed from the 4:50 mark in the opening period. Three Chelsea Gray free throws capped an 11-point halftime lead. In the third frame, things got very interesting.

Las Vegas extended its lead to 19 with 3:45 left in the quarter, but Seattle stormed back with an 18-6 run ensuring this would not be a blowout.

Aces guard Chelsea Gray (#12) and Jewell Loyd (#24) celebrate inside the Michelob Ultra Arena during the team's four-point win over the Storm. Photo Credit: Las Vegas Aces

Those six points belonged to guard Jewell Loyd, who drained back-to-back threes as the quarter closed. Were it not for her timely shot-making, the Aces could have lost all momentum they built through the first three periods. 

It was at this point that rookie Dominique Malonga turned into a wrecking ball. She scored 13 points in a six-minute stretch, eventually sinking the free throw that would tie this game at 75 apiece.

Malonga finished with a career-best 22 points and 12 rebounds on 73% shooting. The 19-year-old,  6’6” second overall pick had a star-like performance in front of the Aces home building. Her success against the home team began to be unbelievably agonizing. 

Malonga was snake-bitten, however, picking up four fouls in less than 90 seconds of gameplay. With five fouls total, midway through the fourth quarter she was forced to sit. As a cherry on top, Las Vegas was also now in the bonus.

The Aces managed to keep the Storm at bay for the remainder of the game, ultimately winning by four points. Forward A’ja Wilson and guard Jackie Young combined for 55 points in the process, with the former scoring 29 points on her 29th birthday.

Las Vegas forward NaLyssa Smith looks to beat Seattle center Dominique Malonga off-the-dribble Friday night. Photo Credit: Las Vegas Aces

In fact, both Wilson and forward NaLyssa Smith were celebrating their birthdays which was capped with a win.

Smith herself played what head coach Becky Hammon called, “probably her best game” since joining the team midseason in a trade from the Dallas Wings. She finished with 10 points and 12 rebounds and a +14 net rating, trailing only Wilson’s +15.

“It looks like a double-double on the stat sheet,” Hammon said. “But I thought she did a lot of things to help us win.”

Hammon also noted Smith is learning her role and figuring out how to contribute while staying out of foul trouble, chuckling throughout her response..

“Her post defense has vastly improved,” Hammon added, “It’s a tribute to her IQ, her work ethic and her wanting to get it right.”

Wilson echoed confidence in Smith and in her team in-large when asked how she feels entering the final month of the regular season.

“I’m very confident,” Wilson answered succinctly. “We know what’s in front of us and we know what we can control and what we can’t control. I’m excited for this next push.”

The Aces return to the floor Sunday, hosting the Connecticut Sun (5-24) at 6:00 p.m. PST from the MIchelob Ultra Arena.