The Minnesota Lynx have unequivocally established themselves as a formidable force in the WNBA this season, culminating in a historic performance against the Las Vegas Aces. This monumental matchup resulted in a record-setting defeat for the Aces, marking the largest home loss in WNBA history, or conversely, the most significant road victory. The highly anticipated game quickly devolved into a one-sided affair, leaving fans of the Las Vegas Aces stunned by the scale of the defeat.
From the opening tip, the Minnesota Lynx demonstrated their dominant intent. They surged ahead, concluding the first quarter with a commanding 35-17 lead. By halftime, the deficit for the Las Vegas Aces had ballooned to an almost insurmountable 67-33, signaling a clear night of struggle. The final score, 111-58, underscored the complete control the Lynx exerted, highlighting a challenging outing for the Aces, who struggled with a 34.3% field goal percentage and a mere 50% from the free-throw line.
The Lynx’s offensive prowess was undeniable, with four players notching 17 points or more: Kayla McBride, Napheesa Collier, Jessica Shepard, and Natisha Hiedeman. While the victory was comprehensive, a minor concern arose when Napheesa Collier landed awkwardly in the fourth quarter, requiring her temporary exit with a minor foot injury. Early indications suggest the injury is not serious, providing relief for the high-flying Lynx as they continue their pursuit of a strong WNBA season.
For the Las Vegas Aces, this crushing defeat serves as a stark reminder of the inherent unpredictability in professional basketball. The adage “No team is as good, or bad, as they were last week” holds true, emphasizing the need for the Aces to process this setback and immediately shift their focus. Dwelling on such a significant record loss would be counterproductive, a lesson head coach Becky Hammon has consistently reinforced throughout the season. Her leadership has been instrumental in the team’s ability to bounce back from prior challenges.
Despite this substantial loss, the Las Vegas Aces maintain their position in 8th place in the WNBA standings. This placement, while not at the top, is still sufficient for a playoff berth, underscoring that their postseason destiny remains firmly within their control. Their immediate challenge and opportunity arise with a quick turnaround, as they are scheduled to host the Golden State Valkyries in their next game. This rapid succession offers a prime chance for the Aces to channel their frustration into a decisive performance.
Historically, the season series between the Las Vegas Aces and their upcoming opponent, the Golden State Valkyries, has been evenly split, with the Aces securing their most recent victory on July 12th with a narrow 104-102 win. A silver lining for the Aces amidst this difficult loss is their overall team health, a significant advantage in a league where many teams have faced significant injury challenges. This commitment to player well-being was evident in Coach Becky Hammon’s decision to rest key players like A’ja Wilson and Jackie Young once the game’s outcome was clear, ensuring they conserved energy.
Neither A’ja Wilson nor Jackie Young had particularly poor individual performances, but their limited minutes—each playing less than 20—were a strategic move to prioritize rest and recovery. This proactive management by Becky Hammon is expected to provide the necessary rejuvenation for the Las Vegas Aces’ stars, enabling them to respond with renewed vigor and determination in their crucial upcoming game against the Golden State Valkyries, aiming to quickly erase the memory of their historic WNBA record loss.
