Aces cinch playoff spot

The Las Vegas Aces defeated the Atlanta Dream 83-72 on Friday night, giving the two-time defending champions a playoff berth. A'ja Wilson scored 26 points and pulled down 16 rebounds, while Tiffany Hayes added 20 points and 10 rebounds. Kelsey Plum also scored 18 points and four assists, putting the Aces in a tie for fourth in the WNBA standings.

As a result of their fourth straight loss, Allisha Gray had 17 points for the Dream. They remain one game behind Chicago for the eighth and final playoff spot. Despite only shooting 4 of 19 shots, Rhyne Howard had 23 points, and Jordin Canada had 10.

Chelsea Gray had just four points for Las Vegas, but those points were crucial in the closing minutes. With less than three minutes left, she had a steal and hit a pullup jumper that made it 77-67. A fadeaway jumper that Gray hit in the lane with 1:05 left brought the Dream back within seven. But the Aces closed out.

Wilson's dominant performance was a big reason for the Aces' victory, as her 26 points and 16 rebounds demonstrated her ability to carry the team at crucial times. In securing the win and clinching the playoff spot, her presence on both sides of the court was essential. Wilson's leadership and consistent play have been instrumental in the Aces' success this season. There will be a third MVP and defensive player of the year incoming