By: Nina Samone
The thrilling start to the 2022 WNBA finals did not disappoint as the back-and-forth rally between the Sun and Aces ended in a 67-64 victory and 1-0 series lead for Las Vegas.
Despite a season-low 67-points for the Aces, A’ja Wilson’s pre-game Most Valuable Player Award set the tone for the Aces that evening and for Wilson – who led all scorers with 24 points. She ended the contest with eleven rebounds as well, finishing with a double-double.
This is the 2nd MVP honor of Wilson’s career, making her the seventh player in 26 seasons to win MVP more than once.
Aces guard Chelsea Gray contributed 21 points, and Jackie Young tacked on eleven of her own.
Las Vegas came out strong in the first quarter, but the Sun rose to the challenge in the second quarter and battled back, outscoring the Aces 21-9, taking a 4-point lead into halftime.
Alyssa Thomas led the Connecticut Sun with 19-point, 11-rebound double-double.
Suns Head Coach Curt Miller said he was “really pleased” with his team despite the loss due to how they dictated the style of play and held the best offensive WNBA team this season to a season low in points scored.
The two teams will face off in Game 2 tomorrow at 9pm.
Sources:
Rhim, Kris. September 11, 2022. The New York Times. “Aces Score Just Enough to Take W.N.B.A. Finals Lead.” <https://www.nytimes.com/2022/09/11/sports/basketball/wnba-finals-las-vegas-aces-connecticut-sun.html>
