Sparks can’t keep pace with Aces down the final stretch in loss
BRADENTON, Fla. — A’ja Wilson scored 26 points with 11 rebounds and Angel McCoughtry added 24 and the Las Vegas Aces beat the Sparks 86-82 on Friday night.
Wilson — who recorded her fourth consecutive double-double — finished 11-of-19 shooting and scored 12 in the decisive final stanza. Wilson scored on 4-of-5 possessions in just under three minutes late, Jackie Young made back-to-back jump shots and Kayla McBride and McCoughtry sealed it at the free throw line.
Candace Parker’s basket with 6:06 left gave the Sparks a 71-68 lead. Wilson countered with a pair of baskets, McCoughtry added a layup and Las Vegas led the rest of the way.
Chelsea Gray hopes to lead the Sparks back to a championship, but this time as a starter on a loaded team of veterans.
Young finished with 15 points and Dearica Hambry scored 10 with nine rebounds for Las Vegas (4-2), which finished with a 42-33 rebound advantage.
Parker led Los Angeles (3-3) with 20 points and 12 rebounds, It’s the first time since 2015 that she has had four consecutive double-doubles.
Sydney Wiese scored 18 and Chelsea Gray 16.
Go beyond the scoreboard
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