Sparks fall out of first place after 94-78 loss to Aces
Reporting from Las Vegas — A’ja Wilson scored 29 points and the Las Vegas Aces knocked the Los Angeles Sparks out of first place in the WNBA standings with a 94-78 victory Friday night.
The Aces (6-11) responded to a Sparks rally with an 11-2 run for their largest lead of the game at 87-70 and held on from there.
Las Vegas closed the second quarter with a 10-3 run to lead by seven at halftime and extended the advantage to 55-40 with an 11-3 start to the third quarter.
Wilson had 21 points in the second half and finished with nine rebounds. Kelsey Plum added 14 points, nine rebounds and five assists.
Jantel Lavender started for the Sparks (11-5) in place of Nneka Ogwumike, who remained out with a back injury.
Chelsea Gray had 22 points, and Essence Carson added 17 for the Sparks. It was Los Angeles’ second straight loss.
The teams will meet again Sunday in Los Angeles.
Boxing champion Floyd Mayweather was courtside at the game.
Go beyond the scoreboard
Get the latest on L.A.'s teams in the daily Sports Report newsletter.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
