Aces seeking sharper results in return trip to Seattle

It didn't end well for the Las Vegas Aces the last time they played the Seattle Storm.

The Aces (3-2) lost 102-82 on May 25 in Seattle and aim for a different outcome in a rematch against the Storm (3-3) on Sunday night in the Pacific Northwest.

Reigning WNBA MVP A'Ja Wilson talked about it in a postgame interview Friday after the Aces' 96-81 win over the Los Angeles Sparks, noting last weekend's loss served as a lesson learned.

"I think getting a butt-kicking like that, sometimes you need that to wake you up to know you just can't show up," Wilson said. "They are a good team and it's good for us to know that it's bigger than what we may be expecting."

Friday's win was the Aces' first since their home opener against the Washington Mystics on May 23 and Wilson led the charge, collecting 35 points, 13 rebounds, six assists, three blocks and three steals.

Wilson, averaging 23.6 points and 11.2 rebounds, became the first player in league history to record at least 30 points, 10 rebounds and five assists while also coming up with at least three blocks and three steals.

Seattle is coming off a 94-87 loss to the Atlanta Dream on Friday at home, squandering a 17-point third-quarter lead on its way to a second consecutive loss.

It's a game the Storm want to forget quickly as they prepare for another showdown with the Aces, who won WNBA championships in 2022 and 2023.

"Short-term memory," coach Noelle Quinn said in a postgame interview. "We have a hungry Vegas team coming in and starting the Commissioner's Cup on Sunday. We have to watch the film, get better and be ready for Sunday."

Seattle lost despite having four in double figures, including a 20-point effort from Skylar Diggins, who is averaging 19.0 points per contest.

The loss to Atlanta was a stark contrast from a defensive standpoint to the game it played against Las Vegas last weekend when it held the Aces to 9-of-25 shooting from long range and won the rebounding battle 34-25. Friday's game marked the first time this season Seattle has given up 90-plus points in a game.

--Field Level Media