David Becker/NBAE via Getty picture
) The Las Vegas Aces survive a tough challenge from the Connecticut Suns in Game 1 of the 2022 WNBA Finals at Michelob in Las Vegas on Sunday Ultra Arena won 67-64.
A’ja Wilson and Chelsea Gray lead for the Aces. Wilson dropped a double-double with 24 points and 11 rebounds. Gray scored 11 points to provide a lifeline to Las Vegas’ offense, shooting 39.7 percent from the field.
WNBA @WNBA
DeWanna Bonner had a chance to tie the game in the closing seconds, but watched as her 3-pointer hit the front basket.
In the first two rounds, the Aces simply overwhelmed the Phoenix Mercury and Seattle Storm. They lead all teams in offensive efficiency (114.7) and true shooting percentage (61.5) heading into Sunday’s playoffs, according to WNBA.com. But under the leadership of head coach Kurt Miller, a strong defense has always been the hallmark of the Suns. Connecticut managed to stifle Las Vegas, slowing down the first game. However, that wasn’t enough to stop the individual brilliance of Gray and Wilson’s low post. For Gray, Game 1 continues one of the hottest playoffs the WNBA has ever seen . Mark Schindler @MG_Schindler
If Chelsea Gray gets the ball over the top of the key and spreads the floor, you might as well cash the check
It feels like she hasn’t missed a month and a half of the back
Rachel [email protected]
Imagine what it’s like trying to defend Chelsea Gray when they’re 1-4 low ISO…
Alexa Philippou @alexaphilippou
According to @ESPNStatsInfo : Chelsea Gray is 7-9 on contested FG, 0-2 on uncontested FG because of course she is
Matt Ellen Tucker @mellentuck
I dare tell me how to protect Chelsea Grey
Kevin Pelton@kpeltonWBB
Strange that they keep playing this Chelsea Gray movie and the ending never changes.
Meanwhile, Wilson accepted her MVP trophy before the game and showed her cause of collecting the league’s highest individual honor.
ESPN @espn
A’JA WILSON GREAT with a block and a bucket 😤 pic.twitter.com/kcXjGm3ry6
Tom Petrini @RealTomPetrini
A’ja Wilson is the MVP in every way, and Kelsey Plum’s game is very gritty and gritty.
Watch such beautiful basketball.
Sabreena [email protected]
A’ja has outdone her in the first game against Phx and Seattle, it’s M’VP stuff
Basketball Reference@bball_ref
This is A’ja Wilson’s 11th career game Score at least 20 points in the playoffs, 6th in the first 5 seasons. @LVAces | #WNBAFinals pic.twitter.com/KKDqHbyHTG
Chris [email protected]
A’ja Wilson will not be rejected! ! ! She wants this finals so much! ! Dominate the game in every corner of the block city!
The Suns have time to correct the ship in a best-of-five-inning series. The trouble for Miller and his staff was that things were going well on Sunday, but Connecticut was still staring down a 0-1 deficit.
Kelsey Plum was 1-for-9 from the field and 1-for-7 from long range. Gray had 3 turnovers. Las Vegas recorded just eight assists as a team. If the No. 1 seed starts again like the best and deadliest team in the WNBA, the Suns could be in serious trouble.
The Aces and Sun will return for their second game on Tuesday.
