The WNBA’s post stars of the present and future will clash when the re-energized Las Vegas Aces go to the Chicago Sky Thursday. Chicago rookie Angel Reese is establishing her case as the league’s most potential frontcourt rookie, but she has never played the defending two-time champion Aces and their super-star center A’ja Wilson.
“I love A’ja Wilson,” she stated. “She’s been somebody that I’ve always tried to model my game after, on and off the court. I love who she is and simply being able to be named with her is fantastic.” Chicago (6-9) has won its previous two games and has also gotten a lift from guard Chennedy Carter, who has averaging 20 points over the past three games, shooting 67 percent. Las Vegas (8-6) may have turned its season around with the return of point guard Chelsea Gray from a leg ailment. The Aces started 6-6 without Gray, but have won both games since her return. In Gray’s WNBA career, her teams have been 207-93 while she has played and just 21-27 without her.
“It’s a huge difference for us,” Wilson said of Gray’s presence. “I know a lot of people adore her flashy passing… but Chelsea gets us organized. She gets us in a flow.” Two-time MVP Wilson will pose a stiff test for Reese. The 6-foot-4 center leads the league in scoring (27.8 ppg) and rebounding (11.6 rpg). She is the reigning two-time WNBA Defensive Player of the Year as well. “I knew this season was going to be hard for us,” stated Wilson. “Not only are we heading for a third (championship) but everyone’s gotten better. This league is getting better.”
It will be the first of four encounters this season between the teams.
