Pre-Review_WNBA: Indiana Fever at New York Liberty The high-powered Indiana Fever visit the reigning Eastern Conference powerhouse New York Liberty tonight at Barclays Center in a marquee matchup between two of the league’s most explosive offenses. Indiana enters riding a wave of momentum behind their league-leading perimeter attack, while New York looks to protect home court and extend their dominance inside the paint. The Liberty have taken the previous two encounters this season, setting the stage for a fiercely contested battle in Brooklyn. 1st Quarter New York controls the opening tip as Jonquel Jones wins the tap, and the Liberty waste no time setting the tempo. Sabrina Ionescu pushes the pace, finding Breanna Stewart trailing for a mid-range jumper to open the scoring. Indiana responds immediately. Caitlin Clark works off an Aliyah Boston pindown, draws two defenders on the switch, and skips a pass to Kelsey Mitchell in the corner for a quick three-pointer to make it 5-4 Indiana with 8:12 remaining in the first. The Liberty answer behind Ionescu. A steal in the passing lane turns into a fast break, and Ionescu pulls up from 26 feet to drill New York’s first triple of the evening. The Barclays Center crowd roars as New York's switching defense forces consecutive turnovers. Jones finishes an interior putback through contact, pushing the Liberty ahead: New York 16, Indiana 11 — 4:45. Indiana settles into its half-court rhythm. Clark uses a high screen to get downhill, floating in a runner before finding Boston on a pick-and-roll dive for an uncontested lay-in. New York keeps the pressure on, with Leonie Fiebich providing lockdown perimeter defense and scoring on a strong baseline cut. The Fever finish the quarter on a clean 7-2 burst. Clark steps back for a signature deep three, and Boston cleans up an offensive glass putback just before the horn. End of 1st: Indiana 24, New York 23 2nd Quarter New York opens the second frame determined to control the painted area. The Liberty second unit clamps down defensively, denying Clark the ball beyond the arc. Marine Johannès knocks down a step-back three, followed by a Stewart turnaround jumper in the lane, quickly handing New York their largest advantage of the first half. New York 33, Indiana 28 — 7:35 Indiana calls for composure. Clark commands the floor, using high pick-and-rolls to draw help defenders away from the weak side. A pair of aggressive drives by Mitchell net free throws, while Boston continues to battle Jones for position underneath. The Fever respond with a 9-2 run. Tie game, 37-37 — 5:04 Neither team yields an inch through the middle portion of the quarter. New York's offensive rebounding proves crucial. The Liberty entered the night leading the league in second-chance scoring, and Jones converts another tip-in after an initial miss. Mitchell answers with a blazing transition layup, followed by a Clark transition dish to Sophie Cunningham for a clean corner finish. Stewart counters before the break, pulling up over a contested hand with 45 seconds on the clock. Clark's step-back heave at the buzzer rims out. Halftime: New York 46, Indiana 44 3rd Quarter Indiana opens the second half looking to push the pace off every defensive board. Clark immediately attacks in early offense, threading a bounce pass through traffic to Boston for a three-point play. New York answers through Ionescu. She hits back-to-back shots from distance, igniting the home crowd and forcing Indiana to rotate further out on the perimeter. New York 54, Indiana 51 — 7:18 The contest shifts into a fast-paced shootout. Neither defense can easily slow the opposing primary creators. New York works through Stewart at the elbow, while Indiana relies on Clark’s gravity to create open looks for Lexie Hull on the wing. A Mitchell transition three swings the advantage back to the visitors. Indiana 60, New York 58 — 4:25 New York refuses to let Indiana pull away. Fiebich intercepts a cross-court skip pass, taking it the distance for a layup, and Ionescu feeds Jones on a pick-and-pop jumper at the top of the key. The lead changes hands four times in the final two minutes. With 22 seconds left, Clark shakes free off a crossover and knocks down a step-back three over a lunging defender. End of 3rd: Indiana 68, New York 67 4th Quarter Barclays Center is on its feet as the final quarter begins with both teams playing at peak intensity. Indiana has dropped their previous matchups against the Liberty, and tonight represents their best opportunity to break through on the road. New York starts aggressively. Stewart drives for an off-balance layup, Ionescu sinks a transition pull-up, and the Liberty reclaim the lead. New York 74, Indiana 71 — 7:42 Indiana remains unfazed. Clark splits a double-team near the logo and delivers an interior pass to Boston for an and-one finish. On the following trip, Mitchell explodes down the lane for a left-handed floater. The Fever retake the lead, 76-75. Every possession ratchets up in tension. New York goes back inside to Stewart, who draws a foul and converts both free throws. Indiana answers instantly with a Boston drop-step bucket on the low block. The Fever call timeout with the score: Indiana 82, New York 80 — 2:38. Out of the timeout, Ionescu handles at the top of the key, drives into the teeth of the defense, and kicks out to Stewart for a smooth corner three. New York 83, Indiana 82 — 1:49 Indiana comes right back down the floor. Clark milks the shot clock, runs a high screen with Boston, and floats an alley-oop pass that Boston finishes at the rim to put Indiana back on top. New York answers immediately. Johannès penetrates along the baseline, draws the help, and dumps the ball off to Jones for a two-handed finish inside. New York 85, Indiana 84 — 0:44 Indiana sets up for what could be the defining possession. Clark dribbles near the top of the key, uses a screen from Monique Billings, and drives left. New York’s defense collapses, but Clark fires a skip pass to Mitchell in the corner. Mitchell fires from three — the shot rims off. Boston battles through three Liberty jerseys to secure the critical offensive rebound with 16 seconds remaining and kicks it right back to Clark at the top of the arc. Indiana resets. With the shot clock ticking down to under four seconds, Clark executes a quick step-back behind the arc, rises over the contest, and buries the 28-footer. Indiana 87, New York 85 — 0:05.4 New York calls its final timeout to advance the ball. Out of the stoppage, Ionescu receives the inbounds pass and drives hard toward the right elbow. With the Indiana defense closing in, she kicks it out to Stewart on the wing. Stewart gets off a clean, contested three-pointer at the buzzer. I It hits the back iron and bounces away. Final: Indiana Fever 87, New York Liberty 85 Summary The Indiana Fever capture a thrilling road victory in Brooklyn, taking down the New York Liberty in a matchup that went down to the final buzzer. New York's dominant frontcourt presence kept them in control for long stretches, but Indiana's dynamic guard play — led by Caitlin Clark’s clutch late-game shotmaking and Kelsey Mitchell’s perimeter scoring — combined with Aliyah Boston’s decisive offensive rebound in the final 20 seconds, sealed the victory. The Liberty’s win streak over the Fever comes to an end, while Indiana makes a definitive statement as one of the league's top contenders heading into the postseason stretch. Notable Stats Indiana Fever Caitlin Clark — 26 points, 11 assists, 6 rebounds, 5 three-pointers Aliyah Boston — 20 points, 13 rebounds, 3 blocks Kelsey Mitchell — 19 points, 4 assists Sophie Cunningham — 10 points, 5 rebounds New York Liberty Breanna Stewart — 25 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists Sabrina Ionescu — 22 points, 7 assists, 4 three-pointers Jonquel Jones — 16 points, 12 rebounds, 2 blocks Leonie Fiebich — 11 points, 5 rebounds
Pre-Review_WNBA: Minnesota Lynx at Washington Mystics The Minnesota Lynx visit the Washington Mystics at the Entertainment & Sports Arena in a clash between two physical, high-motor squads. Washington enters hungry to defend its home floor. Minnesota arrives looking to keep its grip near the top of the standings. 1st Quarter Washington controls the opening tip and immediately tests Minnesota's perimeter containment. Brittney Sykes initiates. She snakes off a high screen from Shakira Austin, bursts into the lane, absorbs contact at the rim, and finishes a tough scoop layup off the glass. Minnesota isn't rattled. Courtney Williams settles the offense. She signals for a high pick-and-roll with Alanna Smith, drives hard right to pull the help defender, then threads a pinpoint bounce pass to a cutting Napheesa Collier. Collier finishes through traffic to make it 6-4 Minnesota with 7:42 on the clock. The Mystics answer with pace. Ariel Atkins leaks out in transition, pulls up on the right wing, and splashes a fluid three-pointer. On the next trip down, Sykes picks off an errant pass and leads the break, dropping off a dime to Stefanie Dolson for an easy score inside. The D.C. crowd gets loud. Dolson pops out beyond the arc on consecutive possessions, raining in a clean three over the outstretched arm of Smith. Dolson follows it up by outmuscling Minnesota for a putback score: Washington 15, Minnesota 10 at the 4:58 mark. Minnesota slows the tempo. Williams feeds Collier on the low block. Collier uses a quick drop-step, elevates, and sinks a soft turnaround jumper over Austin. Off the bench, Shatori Walker-Kimbrough provides instant offense for the Mystics, knifing through the paint for an acrobatic three-point play. Minnesota finishes the frame on a flurry. Kayla McBride gets free on a baseline elevator screen and buries a corner three. Collier cleans up a miss right before the horn. End of 1st: Minnesota 23, Washington 19 2nd Quarter Washington turns up the heat to open the second. Julie Vanloo runs the point. She feeds Aaliyah Edwards for a sweeping hook shot across the paint, then drills a step-back three from 26 feet out. Sykes caps the surge with a fastbreak finish through contact. Washington leads, 32-25, at 7:41. Minnesota calls timeout. Williams takes over. She attacks the teeth of the Mystics' defense on back-to-back possessions, earning trips to the stripe. Collier goes to work on single coverage, spinning baseline around Austin for an easy deuce. Smith alters a shot at the rim. Williams collects the loose ball and pulls up from the elbow. Tie game, 34-34 — 5:12. Neither team can pull away. Atkins slices through the defense for a reverse layup. Walker-Kimbrough nails a pull-up from 18 feet. Minnesota responds. Bridget Carleton drains a wing three off a skip pass from Collier. Just before the halftime buzzer, Williams isolates near the logo, creates space with a crossover, and buries a step-back jumper. Halftime: Minnesota 44, Washington 41 3rd Quarter Minnesota looks to seize control right out of the locker room. Williams works a slick two-man game with Collier. Pocket pass. Layup. Smith follows on the next possession by trailing the play and drilling a straight-on three-pointer off a feed from McBride: Minnesota 49, Washington 43 at 8:15. Washington answers. Atkins catches fire. She drives baseline for a contested layup, then pulls up on the subsequent possession for a contested corner three that ignites the arena. The game turns into a defensive grind. Every basket requires heavy effort. Sykes steps into a rhythm three from the left wing, then Atkins sinks two free throws to give the Mystics the edge: Washington 57, Minnesota 56 with 4:12 remaining. Minnesota pushes right back. Smith swats a driving attempt by Sykes, igniting a fastbreak that ends with Carleton spotting up for a corner triple. Collier takes control late in the quarter, scoring through contact inside on a physical turnaround hook over Dolson. End of 3rd: Minnesota 66, Washington 63 4th Quarter The building is electric. Washington wants the upset. Vanloo drives and whips a cross-court pass to Karlie Samuelson, who knocks down a catch-and-shoot three. Sykes snatches a live-ball steal and finishes at the other end. Washington surges ahead: Washington 71, Minnesota 68 at 7:58. Minnesota remains poised. Williams attacks the lane, absorbs contact, and converts a three-point play. On the next trip, Smith rejects Sykes at the rim, leading to a pull-up jumper from Williams. Every possession matters now. Walker-Kimbrough jumps a passing lane for a fastbreak score. Collier answers inside with a jump hook. Atkins counters with a fadeaway from the elbow. Williams drives deep, collapses the defense, and kicks out to Smith, who drills a cold-blooded corner three. Washington calls timeout trailing 80-77 with 2:46 left. Out of the huddle, Atkins creates out of the pick-and-roll, drawing two defenders before hitting Vanloo for a clutch three-pointer to tie the game at 80-80 with 1:54 remaining. Minnesota responds. Williams slips a pass to Collier for an easy inside deuce. Washington counters. Sykes drives hard to the cup, draws a blocking foul on Smith, and sinks both free throws: 82-82 with 47 seconds left. Minnesota runs the clock. Williams works off a Collier screen, drives, and kicks out to McBride. McBride fires from deep. Miss. Collier battles two Mystics for the offensive board with 18 seconds left and flips it back out to Williams. Minnesota resets. With the shot clock winding down, Williams drives left, steps back at 12 feet, and hits a contested mid-range jumper over Sykes with 4.8 seconds on the clock. Minnesota 84, Washington 82. Washington advances the ball with its final timeout. Sykes takes the inbound pass, drives the lane, and kicks out to Atkins on the wing. Atkins lets fly as the horn sounds. Off the back iron. Final: Minnesota 84, Washington 82 Minnesota escapes D.C. with a hard-fought victory. The Mystics pushed the pace and executed down the stretch, but the Lynx's steady execution—anchored by Courtney Williams' late-game shotmaking and Napheesa Collier's relentless presence—proved just enough to close it out. Notable Stats Minnesota Lynx Napheesa Collier — 29 points, 12 rebounds, 3 assists Courtney Williams — 24 points, 8 assists, 5 rebounds Kayla McBride — 13 points, 4 rebounds, 2 steals Alanna Smith — 11 points, 7 rebounds, 3 blocks Bridget Carleton — 9 points, 3 rebounds Washington Mystics Ariel Atkins — 23 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists Brittney Sykes — 21 points, 7 assists, 3 steals Stefanie Dolson — 11 points, 8 rebounds Shatori Walker-Kimbrough — 11 points, 3 rebounds Julie Vanloo — 9 points, 6 assists
Pre-Review_WNBA: Minnesota Lynx at Golden State Valkyries The top-seeded Minnesota Lynx visit the second-seeded Golden State Valkyries tonight in a matchup between two of the WNBA's hottest teams. Golden State enters on a six-game winning streak after clinching a playoff berth Monday, while Minnesota has won four straight. The Lynx have also won the first two meetings between these teams this season. 1st Quarter: Golden State controls the opening tip and immediately tries to establish its defense. Veronica Burton applies pressure in the backcourt while the Valkyries pack the paint and dare Minnesota to make shots from outside. Minnesota isn't rattled. Olivia Miles gets the Lynx organized, using a high screen to get downhill before finding Napheesa Collier cutting toward the basket for a contested lay-up to make it 6-4 Minnesota with 7:42 in the first. The Valkyries answer with Gabby Williams attacking in transition. A couple of defensive stops lead to quick opportunities, and Golden State takes its first lead after a Williams three-pointer. The Chase Center crowd gets involved as Golden State's defense forces Minnesota into a pair of difficult possessions. Kiah Stokes cleans up a miss inside and the Valkyries push the lead to five: Golden State 15 - Minnesota 10, 4:58 in the quarter. Minnesota slows things down and goes back to Collier. She scores on a short turnaround jumper, then Miles creates another basket with a drive and kick. Golden State continues to pressure the ball, but Tiffany Hayes gives the Valkyries a spark off the bench with a couple of aggressive possessions. The Lynx close the quarter with their best stretch. Miles finds space for a three, and Collier finishes a second-chance opportunity as Minnesota takes control of the final two minutes. End of 1st: Minnesota 23, Golden State 21 2nd Quarter: Golden State comes out determined to regain the momentum. The Valkyries' second unit turns up the defensive pressure, forcing Minnesota into several rushed possessions. Cecilia Zandalasini knocks down a three, followed by a Veronica Burton pull-up, and suddenly Golden State has its largest lead of the night. Golden State 31, Minnesota 25 — 7:41 Minnesota calls for patience. Miles settles the offense and begins attacking the middle of the floor. A pair of drives result in free throws, while Collier takes advantage of a smaller defender on the block. The Lynx respond with an 8-2 run. Tie game, 33-33 — 5:12 Neither team can create much separation. Golden State's defense remains the story. The Valkyries entered the game leading the WNBA in defensive rating and opponent scoring, having held opponents to 70 points or fewer in 10 games this season. Williams gets loose for a transition basket, while Hayes knocks down another jumper. Minnesota answers before halftime. Miles finds Collier for a layup, then hits a pull-up jumper with just over a minute remaining. Golden State gets one final possession, but the Lynx defense forces a difficult shot at the buzzer. Halftime: Minnesota 43, Golden State 40 3rd Quarter: Minnesota opens the second half looking to take control. Miles immediately attacks the Valkyries' defense, getting into the lane and finding Collier for a short jumper. Golden State responds with Williams. She scores on consecutive possessions, including a three-pointer from the wing that brings the crowd back into the game. Minnesota 49, Golden State 48 — 7:36 The game turns into a defensive battle. Neither team is willing to give up easy baskets. Golden State forces Minnesota deeper into the shot clock, while the Lynx use their size and ball movement to keep the Valkyries from getting out in transition. A Burton three gives Golden State the lead. Golden State 55, Minnesota 53 — 4:41 Minnesota refuses to let the quarter get away. Nia Coffey provides a huge defensive play, then Miles comes back down the floor and knocks down a three. The lead changes hands several times during the final three minutes. With less than a minute remaining, Collier converts a tough basket inside to put Minnesota ahead. Golden State gets one final possession, but the Lynx defense forces a contested attempt. End of 3rd: Minnesota 64, Golden State 62 4th Quarter: Chase Center is rocking as Golden State opens the fourth quarter with its season on the line in terms of proving it can finally solve Minnesota. The Valkyries have never beaten the Lynx, and tonight represents another opportunity to erase that streak. Golden State starts aggressively. Williams drives for a layup, Burton follows with a three, and suddenly the Valkyries have regained the lead. Golden State 69, Minnesota 66 — 7:58 Minnesota refuses to panic. Miles gets into the paint and finds Collier for an and-one opportunity. On the next possession, Miles pulls up for another jumper. The Lynx regain the lead, 72-71. Now every possession matters. Golden State goes back to its defense. Burton forces a turnover, and Hayes finishes in transition. Minnesota answers immediately. Collier scores on a tough interior possession, then Miles finds Coffey open on the wing for a three. The Valkyries call timeout with the score: Minnesota 77, Golden State 75, at the 2:46 mark. Out of the timeout, Williams gets the ball in her hands and attacks. She draws two defenders before finding Zandalasini for a corner three. Golden State 78, Minnesota 77 — 1:54 Minnesota comes right back. Miles patiently works the clock before getting into the lane. The Valkyries collapse, but Miles finds Collier underneath for the go-ahead basket. Minnesota 79, Golden State 78 — 1:11 Golden State has a chance to answer. Burton brings the ball across half court with the shot clock winding down. She finds Williams, who attacks the basket and draws contact. Two free throws put the Valkyries back ahead. Golden State 80, Minnesota 79 — 0:47 Minnesota has one more possession. Miles dribbles near the top of the key, uses a Collier screen and gets into the lane. Golden State collapses again, but Miles kicks the ball back outside. Coffey catches, shoots and misses. Collier fights for the offensive rebound with 18 seconds remaining and kicks the ball back to Miles. Minnesota resets. With the shot clock nearly gone, Miles drives left, stops and hits a short jumper over the outstretched defense. Minnesota 81, Golden State 80 — 0:06 Golden State has one final chance. The Valkyries advance the ball quickly. Williams receives it near midcourt and drives toward the lane, but Minnesota's defense collapses around her. She kicks the ball to Burton on the wing. Burton gets the shot off at the buzzer. It rims out. Final: Minnesota 81, Golden State 80 Summary: Minnesota survives another thriller against Golden State. The Valkyries' defense keeps them within striking distance throughout the night, but the Lynx's combination of Olivia Miles' playmaking and Napheesa Collier's interior presence proves to be just enough in the final minute. Golden State's six-game winning streak comes to an end, but the Valkyries once again demonstrate why they are one of the WNBA's elite teams. The biggest question remains unanswered: can Golden State finally beat Minnesota? For tonight, the answer is no. The Lynx remain on top. Notable Stats Minnesota Olivia Miles — 21 points, 7 assists, 5 rebounds Napheesa Collier — 24 points, 10 rebounds Nia Coffey — 12 points, 6 rebounds Golden State Gabby Williams — 22 points, 7 rebounds Veronica Burton — 17 points, 6 assists Tiffany Hayes — 11 points Cecilia Zandalasini — 10 points
Pre-Review_WNBA: Atlanta Dream at Las Vegas Aces 1st Quarter: Las Vegas controls the opening tip and immediately gets A'ja Wilson involved. The Aces work the ball through Chelsea Gray before Wilson slips into the lane for a short jumper. Atlanta answers with Rhyne Howard attacking from the wing and finding Allisha Gray for a corner three. The early pace is quick. With 7:48 remaining, Las Vegas leads 7-5. Atlanta's defense is determined to keep Wilson from establishing deep position, but that opens opportunities for Jackie Young. Young gets downhill twice, scoring four points and setting up NaLyssa Smith for a layup. The Dream settle down offensively. Howard knocks down a three, then Angel Reese wins a battle on the offensive glass for a putback. With 4:32 left in the quarter, Atlanta has its first lead, 13-12. Neither team is able to create much separation. Chelsea Gray starts manipulating the defense with high pick-and-rolls, while Atlanta uses Howard and Allisha Gray to attack mismatches on the perimeter. With 1:18 remaining, Wilson converts a three-point play to put Las Vegas ahead 20-18. Atlanta answers before the horn when Howard finds a cutting Reese for two. End of 1st: Atlanta 20 – Las Vegas 20 2nd Quarter: The second unit gives both teams a different look. Atlanta opens the quarter with pressure defense and forces two Las Vegas turnovers. A transition three from Allisha Gray gives the Dream a 25-22 lead with 8:41 remaining. Las Vegas is not rattled. Jackie Young takes control of the offense, scoring on consecutive possessions before finding Chelsea Gray for a three. The Aces have regained the lead, 29-27, with 6:54 left in the half. Atlanta responds by going inside. Reese grabs another offensive rebound and scores, while Naz Hillmon adds a short jumper. Howard then hits a pull-up three to put Atlanta back in front 34-31 with 4:47 remaining. The game becomes a possession-by-possession battle. Wilson begins to take over. She scores six points in less than two minutes, including a turnaround jumper and a finish through contact. With 2:03 remaining, Las Vegas leads 40-38. Atlanta gets one more push before halftime. Howard drives into the lane and kicks the ball out to Allisha Gray, who knocks down a three from the wing. The Dream take a 41-40 lead. But Chelsea Gray has one final answer. With 11 seconds left, she uses a screen, gets into the paint and finds Wilson for a short jumper just before the buzzer. Halftime: Las Vegas 42 – Atlanta 41 3rd Quarter Atlanta opens the second half determined to attack before the Aces can establish their half-court defense. Howard scores on a pull-up jumper, and Allisha Gray follows with a three. The Dream lead 46-42 with 8:36 remaining. Las Vegas responds immediately. Wilson scores inside, Young hits a three, and Chelsea Gray finds Smith cutting toward the basket. A 9-2 Aces run puts Las Vegas ahead 51-48 with 6:14 remaining. Atlanta refuses to let the game get away. Howard hits another three, then Reese grabs a defensive rebound and starts a transition opportunity that ends with Allisha Gray finishing at the rim. With 4:01 left, the Aces lead 55-53. The pace begins to slow. Both teams recognize that possessions are becoming more important. Wilson gets another basket inside, but Atlanta answers with Howard attacking the basket and drawing two defenders before finding a teammate for an open jumper. With 1:37 remaining, Las Vegas leads 61-59. The final minute turns into a defensive battle. Young gets a steal and converts a fast-break layup to make it 63-59. Atlanta gets the final possession of the quarter, and Howard creates enough space for a three-point attempt that rattles out. End of 3rd: Las Vegas 63 – Atlanta 59 4th Quarter The Dream come out aggressively. Reese scores on a putback, and Allisha Gray hits a pull-up jumper. Just 1:52 into the fourth, Atlanta has tied the game at 63-63. Michelob ULTRA Arena gets loud as the Aces answer. Young attacks the basket for two, Wilson follows with a jumper, and Chelsea Gray knocks down a three from the top of the arc. Suddenly Las Vegas leads 70-63 with 6:47 remaining. Atlanta needs an answer. Howard provides it. She hits a three, then forces a turnover on the defensive end before converting another jumper in transition. With 4:58 remaining, the Aces' lead is down to 70-68. The Dream continue attacking Wilson's side of the floor, trying to force Las Vegas to defend multiple actions. At the 3:21 mark, Allisha Gray drives baseline and finds Reese underneath for a layup. Las Vegas 74 – Atlanta 73. Neither team can pull away. Wilson scores inside with 2:14 left, but Howard answers with a contested jumper. Las Vegas 76 – Atlanta 75. The next possession becomes critical. Chelsea Gray patiently works the clock before finding Jackie Young on the wing. Young drives, draws help and kicks back to Gray, who knocks down a three with 1:18 remaining. The Aces lead 79-75. Atlanta refuses to fold. Howard hits a three with 48 seconds left. Las Vegas 79 – Atlanta 78. Las Vegas goes back to Wilson. Atlanta doubles her, forcing the ball out to Young. Young attacks the closeout and draws a foul with 31 seconds remaining. She makes both free throws. Aces 81 – Dream 78. Atlanta calls timeout. With 19 seconds left, the Dream get the ball to Howard. She drives toward the middle, draws two defenders and kicks it back out to Allisha Gray. Gray's three-point attempt misses. Reese fights for the offensive rebound, but the Aces secure the ball with 8 seconds remaining. Las Vegas is forced to foul-free-clock management, and Chelsea Gray calmly handles the final possession. Atlanta gets one last desperation opportunity, but the final shot comes after the horn. Final: Las Vegas 81 – Atlanta 78 Summary The Aces survive a back-and-forth game that never produces more than a single-digit margin. Atlanta's offensive balance keeps the Dream within striking distance throughout the night, with Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray repeatedly answering Las Vegas runs. But the Aces' combination of A'ja Wilson's interior scoring, Jackie Young's all-around production and Chelsea Gray's late-game decision-making ultimately proves to be the difference. The matchup also illustrates why this could be an important late-season test for both teams. Atlanta enters the night 21-13 and fifth in the Eastern Conference, while Las Vegas sits at 24-12 and third in the West. The Aces have already beaten Atlanta this season, winning 85-84 in Atlanta on May 17 and 86-76 on August 3. Jackie Young recorded a triple-double in the August 3 meeting, while Wilson added 23 points. Atlanta Dream Rhyne Howard — 27 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists Allisha Gray — 21 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists Angel Reese — 14 points, 13 reboundsNaz Hillmon — 8 points, 6 rebounds Las Vegas Aces A'ja Wilson — 28 points, 11 rebounds, 3 blocks Jackie Young — 22 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists Chelsea Gray — 15 points, 8 assistsNaLyssa Smith — 10 points, 9 rebounds
