Sky outlast Aces in high-energy battle, 93-85

LAS VEGAS—Wednesday night’s Aces vs. Sky matchup brought a season-high amount of celebrities to Michelob Ultra Arena.

Whether it was due to the Angel Reese effect or the amount of NBA stars in town for Summer League is to be debated. What’s harder to be debated is the fact that the Sky earned what will likely be looked at as their best win of the year in hindsight, 93-85, over the two-time defending champions. 

A’ja Wilson finished with 28 points on 9-of-21 from the field. It was far from Wilson’s best outing, as there were noticeable struggles from the field. One of which was a series of three straight failed lay-in attempts as the fourth quarter was winding down. 

Tip Hayes added 19 points off the bench for the Aces on a smooth 8-of-10 from the field. Hayes was the only member of the Aces with the hot hand down the stretch. It probably would have been a wise idea to feed her more, but the game played out as it did.

Chennedy Carter had a statement game for Chicago, coming one point shy of her career-high with 34 points while being the engine behind the Sky’s activity all game. 

Angel Reese notched her 17th double-double of the season when she snagged her tenth rebound and put the ball back through the basket for her ninth and tenth points to secure the mark. Reese was just over halfway to those marks after three quarters, so the fact she reached a double-double with time to spare was surprising.