Aces look to defeat Mystics for second time this week

The Las Vegas Aces made improvements in certain areas when they defeated the Washington Mystics on Tuesday.

That wasn't enough to fully please Aces coach Becky Hammon.

The Aces will look for upgrades in Thursday night's rematch in Las Vegas.

"Our season depends on defense and rebounding," Hammon said. "I'm going to continue to demand it. It's that important. I didn't think we did a great job (Tuesday)."

The Aces (23-11) and the Mystics (19-13) have split two meetings this season.

This is the second game of back-to-backs after the host Aces prevailed 86-76 on Tuesday night. That result snapped Washington's seven-game winning streak.

"Just like we've done all season, wanting to focus on those things we can control that will help not only against the Aces when we see them next, but for the rest of the season," Mystics coach Sydney Johnson said of the team's reaction to the defeat.

WNBA scoring leader A'ja Wilson, a center who sat out Sunday's game in New York as the Aces rested several players, returned for a 26-point, 13-rebound effort against the Mystics.

Combined with Jackie Young's 25 points and eight assists, Las Vegas had a strong duo.

"Both of them, when they get it going, are really exciting players to watch," Hammon said.

Shakira Austin has led the Mystics in scoring in five consecutive games. She poured in 20 points Tuesday, but her double-double streak was halted at four.

Yet Washington's offense was hurt by 5-for-18 shooting on 3-pointers. That included 1-for-11 from its starters.

The Mystics also had ball-handling issues. Las Vegas posted 26 points off turnovers in Tuesday's game.

"We didn't have the punch that we needed to in terms of executing and keeping control of the ball," Johnson said. "We have to give some credit to our opponent in terms of Vegas being locked in and trying to turn us over."

More rebounding from Las Vegas guards would be advised, according to Hammon.

"Our guards got to get in there and get a little bit more involved," she said.

The Aces will expect pressure in the paint from the Mystics. Hammon said she doesn't want the team exposed in some of those areas.

"What they did well (Tuesday) is what they do well pretty much against every team," Hammon said. "That team puts a ton of pressure on the rim all night. That's who they are."

--Field Level Media