Chicago, IL — Jackie Young poured in 22 points and dished out seven assists, while A’ja Wilson added 18 points and nine rebounds, lifting the Las Vegas Aces to a 79-74 victory over the Chicago Sky on Monday night. The win secured Las Vegas a spot in the WNBA postseason and extended its winning streak to 11 games.
The Aces (25-14) became just the second team this year to officially lock up a playoff berth. Chelsea Gray contributed 14 points and seven assists, and NaLyssa Smith chipped in 10 to round out the balanced effort.
Chicago (9-28) was led by a spectacular performance from Ariel Atkins, who set a season high with 30 points. Kamilla Cardoso recorded a double-double with 19 points and 10 rebounds, and Angel Reese added 10 points and 17 boards. Reese’s effort marked her league-leading 20th double-double of the season, surpassing Tina Charles for the most in WNBA history through a player’s first two years.
Young fueled Las Vegas early, scoring the team’s final 12 points of the first half, including a buzzer-beating 3-pointer with less than a second left that gave the Aces a 44-32 halftime lead. She entered the break with 20 points on 8-of-10 shooting, including four from deep.
Chicago rallied late. Reese’s fast-break layup with 2:37 remaining put the Sky ahead 74-73 — their first lead since early in the opening quarter. But Gray quickly answered with a go-ahead 3-pointer, and Wilson followed with a clutch midrange jumper to seal the win.
Halftime Tribute to Candace Parker
The night also carried special meaning for Chicago fans. At halftime, the Sky honored franchise legend Candace Parker by retiring her No. 3 jersey. The number now hangs in the rafters of Wintrust Arena alongside the banner commemorating the 2021 championship she helped deliver.
Earlier this summer, Parker also had her jersey retired by the Los Angeles Sparks, with whom she won the 2016 title. She now joins Lindsay Whalen as the only players in WNBA history to have their numbers retired by two different franchises.
