Aerial Powers scored a career-best 32 points on 10-of-17 shooting
Moriah Jefferson and Rachel Banham propelled the side by adding 13 points respectively and then Sylvia Fowles contributed eight points with 11 rebounds and two blocks for Minnesota.
The Minnesota Lynx (7-15) and Las Vegas Aces (15-6) squared off on Sunday afternoon for the second straight day. With massive support from their home ground, the Lynx put on a performance that stunned everyone and won 102-71.
The Lynx entered this game as a new team after Friday night’s loss to the Aces in Las Vegas. They consistently outperformed the Aces. They played outstanding defense. Compared to the Aces’ one, they had 13 offensive rebounds. Minnesota had to put up a strong offensive performance. In the first quarter, the Lynx outscored the Aces 33-15, and they never went back. The second quarter was won by the Aces 20-16, but they never recovered defensively. Vegas has never taken the lead in.
Minnesota’s 13-0 early burst was ended by Powers’ final six points, and the Aces never took the lead. With roughly three minutes remaining in the first half, Dearica Hamby and Riquna Williams scored back-to-back 3-pointers to give Las Vegas a 44-35 lead. However, Fowles countered with a layup 18 seconds later, and the Lynx went on to lead by double digits the rest of the way.
Las Vegas posted their lowest point total of the season despite entering the game scoring a league-high 89.9 points per game. Kelsey Plum was the leading points scorer from Las Vegas with 12 points.
Rebekkah Brunson retires her jersey
After the victory, the Lynx retired Rebekkah Brunson’s jersey. She worked with the Lynx to win four WNBA championships until retiring in February 2020. Rebekkah is currently an assistant coach for the team. Rebekkah follows Lindsay Whalen and Seimone Augustus as the third Lynx player to have her jersey retired.
Aerial Powers stole the show
Lynx’s victory involves a major contribution of defensive rebounds apart from offensive rebounds as well. Aerial Powers of the Lynx scored a career-high 32 points, and Vegas was unable to stop her. A’Ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum were kept in check by the Minnesota defense, eliminating that danger. Las Vegas was left helpless and unable to establish any sort of rhythm to make a comeback.
The number one team in the Western Conference suffered a shocking loss in this game. Moving ahead, Las Vegas will have to put this in the past. The New York Liberty will be their opponent when they return to the court on Wednesday night.
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