Nneka Ogwumike recorded a double-double of 19 factors and 11 rebounds, and the Los Angeles Sparks used stifling protection at hand the Las Vegas Aces their first regular-season residence loss since June 2022 with a 78-72 win on Saturday.
Layshia Clarendon scored 21 factors and Jordin Canada added 20 for the Sparks.
The Sparks (13-18) overwhelmed the WNBA’s high scoring offense all through the competition, holding the Aces to only 27-of-75 capturing from the ground total, together with 8-for-32 from 3-point vary.
Los Angeles additionally compelled Las Vegas into 15 turnovers, seven of which got here from 4 steals by Ogwumike and three by Canada.
The Sparks set the tone early, holding the Aces scoreless for a stretch lasting 3:37 of the primary quarter, throughout which Los Angeles went on a 14-0 run.
Las Vegas (28-4) rallied to take again the lead within the second quarter thanks partially to A’ja Wilson’s game-high 25 factors. Nevertheless, the Aces’ scoring woes lingered all through the second half.
The Sparks pulled forward 72-63 with 3:32 to go within the fourth quarter, however seven fast Aces factors minimize the hole over the following two minutes. Los Angeles regrouped defensive and held Las Vegas with no level for the following 1:21 to successfully shut out the sport.
The win marked Los Angeles’ fourth straight.
For Las Vegas, the loss was its first at residence within the common season in 14 months however the second altogether on the week after dropping Tuesday’s Commissioner’s Cup championship to New York.
Three different Aces starters scored in double figures to affix Wilson, however none with greater than Kelsey Plum’s 12 factors. Plum shot 4-for-13 from the ground and 2-for-7 from 3-point vary.
Jackie Younger completed with 11 factors and shot 1-for-5 from deep, matching Chelsea Grey’s 3-point capturing effort. Grey scored 10 factors and dished seven assists however dedicated a team-high 4 turnovers.
—Subject Stage Media
