Sports stats



WNBA Las Vegas Aces

Aces Open Season with 2021 WNBA Semifinals Rematch in Phoenix

May 5, 2022 - Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA)
Las Vegas Aces News Release


Phoenix, AZ - The Las Vegas Aces begin their first season under new head coach Becky Hammon, Friday, with a rematch of the 2021 WNBA Semifinals. Tip at Phoenix's Footprint Center is at 7 pm PT.

Seven months ago, the Aces and Mercury went the distance in their five-game semifinal series, with Phoenix draining three free throws down the stretch of Game Five for an 87-74 victory.

Both teams have reconfigured their coaching staffs and rosters since then. The Mercury hired former Aces assistant Vanessa Nygaard as head coach replacing Sandy Brondello who left to take over the New York Liberty. Phoenix also added free agents Tina Charles (the 2021 WNBA scoring champion), and Diamond DeShields (who won the 2021 WNBA Championship with the Chicago Sky). The Merc will unfortunately be without the services of Brittney Griner as she is being wrongfully detained by the Russian government.

In addition to their coaching change, Las Vegas hired another former WNBA legend in Natalie Williams as the team's general manager. The Aces brought guard Sydney Colson back into the fold, and added forward Theresa Plaisance via free agency. Rookie draft picks Kierstan Bell and Aisha Sheppard also made the squad.

Last year, Las Vegas became the first team in WNBA history to have seven players average double figures in scoring. Six of those seven players return, led by 2020 M'VP A'ja Wilson (18.3 ppg, 9.3 rpg).

Wilson is one of four 2021 US Olympic gold medalists on the Aces' roster. Chelsea Gray (11.1 ppg, 5.9 apg) joined the the four-year veteran on the US 5x5 team in Tokyo. Kelsey Plum (14.8 ppg, 3.6 apg, 38.6 3G%) and Jackie Young (12.2 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 3.2 apg) won the inaugural 3x3 championship at the Olympic Games.

Dearica Hamby (11.6 ppg, 6.7 rpg) and Riquna Williams (10.5 ppg, 41.7 3G%) round out the Aces double-digit returners.

Las Vegas returns home Sunday for a 7 pm PT tip against Seattle on ESPN2.

Check out the Las Vegas Aces Statistics



Women's National Basketball Association Stories from May 5, 2022


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central