The Las Vegas Aces are on a roll! After navigating a challenging mid-season stretch, the Aces secured a crucial 86-83 victory against the Phoenix Mercury on Friday night, extending their winning streak to six games. A'ja Wilson, the Aces' star player, delivered another outstanding performance, racking up 30 points and 16 rebounds. But it was her post-game analogy that truly stole the show.
Wilson, reflecting on her season and the newfound patience she's cultivated, stated, "And I told myself after (the) All-Star break to just let the game come to me, like it's gonna be what it's gonna be. If I try (to) force it because I want this win so bad for my team, it's like forcing a fart. All you get is s***." The quote immediately went viral, with Chelsea Gray, Wilson's teammate, reacting with amusement and disbelief.
This performance marked Wilson's seventh 30-point game of the season and her 16th double-double. She is currently averaging 22.3 points and 10 rebounds per game, leading the Aces in several key categories. However, her success also places significant pressure on her to lead the team. The Aces have lost only two games when Wilson records a double-double, highlighting her importance to the team's success.
In Friday's game, Wilson received more support from her teammates. Chelsea Gray contributed 16 points and 9 assists, while Jackie Young added 17 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists. Jewell Loyd also chipped in with 10 points off the bench.
The game wasn't without its drama. With 1:14 remaining, Gray's jumper gave the Aces an 84-79 lead. The Mercury closed the gap to one point after Alyssa Thomas' layup with 30 seconds left. Wilson missed a long jumper, and Phoenix called a timeout with 3.6 seconds on the clock. However, Gray stole Phoenix's inbound pass and made two free throws with 0.8 seconds remaining. Gray then blocked Satou Sabally's 3-point attempt at the buzzer to seal the victory.
The Phoenix Mercury's Satou Sabally took responsibility for a late turnover that led to the loss. "Nate is great and I love playing for him. I’ll actually take the blame for that, and not him. I appreciate it,” Sabally said.
With this win, the Aces are looking to solidify their position in the league standings as they push towards the playoffs.