A’ja Wilson scored 33 points and pulled down 18 rebounds as Las Vegas Aces beat the Atlanta Dream 84-70 Friday night. With the victory, the Aces have won nine out of their last ten games. Jackie Young added 19 points, 4 rebounds and 6 assists. Kelsey Plum chipped in with 15 points and seven assists. Wilson says she does not get wrapped up in stats. She’s concerned about keeping the main thing the main thing: winning.
“I’m on to the next thing immediately,” she said. “I feel like that’s how you know you’re doing pretty well because you have random stats like that. I train so hard to prep for these moments, so I would hope that I’d be playing the way that I need to play for my teammates.”
It was a tall task for the Dream to slow down one of the best players in the world, but weren’t ready to shrink in the spotlight.
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“Playing against A’ja is always fun,” says Atlanta Dream center Cheyenne Parker-Tyus. “It’s just like a competitive edge. She’s a great player, and it’s hard to stop her. So I’m just trying to go back at her, make her play defense as well.”
Parker-Tyus scored 17 points off the bench. Maya Caldwell added 13 points and Tina Charles had 12 points and 12 rebounds.
A bright spot for the Dream was scoring 42 points in the paint. It was a point of emphasis heading into Friday’s matchup.
Effort is a key to success “You get points in the paint when you’re running in transition,” Atlanta Dream Head Coach Tanisha Wright said. “And I think that’s something that we’re that has been an emphasis, emphasis for us for the last month, right? Running in transition. And so we’re getting some easy points. I thought CP did a great job of not settling and getting points in the paint.”
Even though the Dream is eight games under .500, Wright said she enjoys the fight she’s seeing from her squad. While Atlanta is not the same team without Rhyne Howard, the Dream is playing with incredible effort right now.
“We have opportunities down the stretch to focus and execute offensively and defensively, in terms of our schemes,” Wright explained. “Not, let fatigue take over at times. That’s mainly it. We have to focus down the stretch. But again, I love the fight that this team is getting. We understand that we’re without some big guns. That’s just part of it. We have to fight and play hard and have the same effort. Once we get back from break and we do have a full roster, that’ll help us.”
What’s Next All eleven home games, including the matchup against the Indiana Fever at State Farm Arena were sold out. Atlanta will travel to Seattle this Sunday before traveling to Minnesota to play their final game before the Olympic break. Their next home game will be in College Park against the Seattle Storm on August 16th.
A’ja Wilson reacts after she was called for a foul during the second half of a WNBA game between the Las Vegas Aces and the Atlanta Dream on Friday, July 12, 2024 at the Gateway Center Arena in College Park, Georgia. (Photo: Itoro N. Umontuen/The Atlanta Voice) Renee Montgomery speaks to fans during the first half of a WNBA game between the Las Vegas Aces and the Atlanta Dream on Friday, July 12, 2024 at the Gateway Center Arena in College Park, Georgia. (Photo: Itoro N. Umontuen/The Atlanta Voice) Las Vegas Aces head coach Becky Hammon scowls afer her team defeated the Atlanta Dream 84-70 on Friday, July 12, 2024 at the Gateway Center Arena in College Park, Georgia. (Photo: Itoro N. Umontuen/The Atlanta Voice) Tenitra Batiste interviews A’ja Wilson after the Las Vegas Aces defeated the Atlanta Dream 84-70 on Friday, July 12, 2024 at the Gateway Center Arena in College Park, Georgia. (Photo: Itoro N. Umontuen/The Atlanta Voice) Allisha Gray is guarded by A’ja Wilson during the first half of a WNBA game between the Las Vegas Aces and the Atlanta Dream on Friday, July 12, 2024 at the Gateway Center Arena in College Park, Georgia. (Photo: Itoro N. Umontuen/The Atlanta Voice) Tenitra Batiste interviews A’ja Wilson after the Las Vegas Aces defeated the Atlanta Dream 84-70 on Friday, July 12, 2024 at the Gateway Center Arena in College Park, Georgia. (Photo: Itoro N. Umontuen/The Atlanta Voice) Tina Charles attempts a layup while being guarded against A’ja Wilson during the second half of a WNBA game between the Las Vegas Aces and the Atlanta Dream on Friday, July 12, 2024 at the Gateway Center Arena in College Park, Georgia. (Photo: Itoro N. Umontuen/The Atlanta Voice) Destanni Henderson is guarded by Kelsey Plum during the second half of a WNBA game between the Las Vegas Aces and the Atlanta Dream on Friday, July 12, 2024 at the Gateway Center Arena in College Park, Georgia. (Photo: Itoro N. Umontuen/The Atlanta Voice) Kelsey Plum drives the lane during the first half of a WNBA game between the Las Vegas Aces and the Atlanta Dream on Friday, July 12, 2024 at the Gateway Center Arena in College Park, Georgia. (Photo: Itoro N. Umontuen/The Atlanta Voice) Tenitra Batiste interviews A’ja Wilson after the Las Vegas Aces defeated the Atlanta Dream 84-70 on Friday, July 12, 2024 at the Gateway Center Arena in College Park, Georgia. (Photo: Itoro N. Umontuen/The Atlanta Voice) Kelsey Plum reacts to the official after getting fouled during the first half of a WNBA game between the Las Vegas Aces and the Atlanta Dream on Friday, July 12, 2024 at the Gateway Center Arena in College Park, Georgia. (Photo: Itoro N. Umontuen/The Atlanta Voice) Kelsey Plum celebrates during the first half of a WNBA game between the Las Vegas Aces and the Atlanta Dream on Friday, July 12, 2024 at the Gateway Center Arena in College Park, Georgia. (Photo: Itoro N. Umontuen/The Atlanta Voice) Tenitra Batiste interviews A’ja Wilson after the Las Vegas Aces defeated the Atlanta Dream 84-70 on Friday, July 12, 2024 at the Gateway Center Arena in College Park, Georgia. (Photo: Itoro N. Umontuen/The Atlanta Voice) Jackie Young attempts a shot during the first half of a WNBA game between the Las Vegas Aces and the Atlanta Dream on Friday, July 12, 2024 at the Gateway Center Arena in College Park, Georgia. (Photo: Itoro N. Umontuen/The Atlanta Voice) Allisha Gray is guarded by A’ja Wilson during the first half of a WNBA game between the Las Vegas Aces and the Atlanta Dream on Friday, July 12, 2024 at the Gateway Center Arena in College Park, Georgia. (Photo: Itoro N. Umontuen/The Atlanta Voice) Jackie Young attempts a three point shot during the first half of a WNBA game between the Las Vegas Aces and the Atlanta Dream on Friday, July 12, 2024 at the Gateway Center Arena in College Park, Georgia. (Photo: Itoro N. Umontuen/The Atlanta Voice) during the first half of a WNBA game between the Las Vegas Aces and the Atlanta Dream on Friday, July 12, 2024 at the Gateway Center Arena in College Park, Georgia. (Photo: Itoro N. Umontuen/The Atlanta Voice) Tenitra Batiste interviews A’ja Wilson after the Las Vegas Aces defeated the Atlanta Dream 84-70 on Friday, July 12, 2024 at the Gateway Center Arena in College Park, Georgia. (Photo: Itoro N. Umontuen/The Atlanta Voice) A’ja Wilson poses for photographs with Naomi Parker-Tyus after the Las Vegas Aces defeated the Atlanta Dream 84-70 on Friday, July 12, 2024 at the Gateway Center Arena in College Park, Georgia. (Photo: Itoro N. Umontuen/The Atlanta Voice) Tina Charles attempts a shot during the second half of a WNBA game between the Las Vegas Aces and the Atlanta Dream on Friday, July 12, 2024 at the Gateway Center Arena in College Park, Georgia. (Photo: Itoro N. Umontuen/The Atlanta Voice) Tanisha Wright reacts after calling time out during the second half of a WNBA game between the Las Vegas Aces and the Atlanta Dream on Friday, July 12, 2024 at the Gateway Center Arena in College Park, Georgia. (Photo: Itoro N. Umontuen/The Atlanta Voice) Tina Charles gets her shot blocked during the second half of a WNBA game between the Las Vegas Aces and the Atlanta Dream on Friday, July 12, 2024 at the Gateway Center Arena in College Park, Georgia. (Photo: Itoro N. Umontuen/The Atlanta Voice) Members of the Atlanta Dream huddle during the second half of a WNBA game against the Las Vegas Aces on Friday, July 12, 2024 at the Gateway Center Arena in College Park, Georgia. (Photo: Itoro N. Umontuen/The Atlanta Voice) Tina Charles attempts a hook shot during the second half of a WNBA game between the Las Vegas Aces and the Atlanta Dream on Friday, July 12, 2024 at the Gateway Center Arena in College Park, Georgia. (Photo: Itoro N. Umontuen/The Atlanta Voice) Allisha Gray regains possession during the second half of a WNBA game between the Las Vegas Aces and the Atlanta Dream on Friday, July 12, 2024 at the Gateway Center Arena in College Park, Georgia. (Photo: Itoro N. Umontuen/The Atlanta Voice) Kelsey Plum initiates the offense during the first half of a WNBA game between the Las Vegas Aces and the Atlanta Dream on Friday, July 12, 2024 at the Gateway Center Arena in College Park, Georgia. (Photo: Itoro N. Umontuen/The Atlanta Voice) Haley Jones drives the lane during the second half of a WNBA game between the Las Vegas Aces and the Atlanta Dream on Friday, July 12, 2024 at the Gateway Center Arena in College Park, Georgia. (Photo: Itoro N. Umontuen/The Atlanta Voice) A’ja Wilson reacts after she was called for a foul during the second half of a WNBA game between the Las Vegas Aces and the Atlanta Dream on Friday, July 12, 2024 at the Gateway Center Arena in College Park, Georgia. (Photo: Itoro N. Umontuen/The Atlanta Voice) Allisha Gray drives against Chelsea Gray during the second half of a WNBA game between the Las Vegas Aces and the Atlanta Dream on Friday, July 12, 2024 at the Gateway Center Arena in College Park, Georgia. (Photo: Itoro N. Umontuen/The Atlanta Voice) A young WNBA fan watches the action during the second half of a WNBA game between the Las Vegas Aces and the Atlanta Dream on Friday, July 12, 2024 at the Gateway Center Arena in College Park, Georgia. (Photo: Itoro N. Umontuen/The Atlanta Voice) Destanni Henderson falls to the floor during the second half of a WNBA game between the Las Vegas Aces and the Atlanta Dream on Friday, July 12, 2024 at the Gateway Center Arena in College Park, Georgia. (Photo: Itoro N. Umontuen/The Atlanta Voice) Signature sneakers worn by A’Ja Wilson during the first half of a WNBA game between the Las Vegas Aces and the Atlanta Dream on Friday, July 12, 2024 at the Gateway Center Arena in College Park, Georgia. (Photo: Itoro N. Umontuen/The Atlanta Voice) Destanni Henderson calls a play during the second half of a WNBA game between the Las Vegas Aces and the Atlanta Dream on Friday, July 12, 2024 at the Gateway Center Arena in College Park, Georgia. (Photo: Itoro N. Umontuen/The Atlanta Voice) A’ja Wilson blocks a shot attempt by Tina Charles during the first half of a WNBA game between the Las Vegas Aces and the Atlanta Dream on Friday, July 12, 2024 at the Gateway Center Arena in College Park, Georgia. (Photo: Itoro N. Umontuen/The Atlanta Voice) Allisha Gray regains possession during the second half of a WNBA game between the Las Vegas Aces and the Atlanta Dream on Friday, July 12, 2024 at the Gateway Center Arena in College Park, Georgia. (Photo: Itoro N. Umontuen/The Atlanta Voice) Destanni Henderson is guarded by Kelsey Plum during the second half of a WNBA game between the Las Vegas Aces and the Atlanta Dream on Friday, July 12, 2024 at the Gateway Center Arena in College Park, Georgia. (Photo: Itoro N. Umontuen/The Atlanta Voice) Kelsey Plum celebrates during the first half of a WNBA game between the Las Vegas Aces and the Atlanta Dream on Friday, July 12, 2024 at the Gateway Center Arena in College Park, Georgia. (Photo: Itoro N. Umontuen/The Atlanta Voice) Kelsey Plum drives the lane during the first half of a WNBA game between the Las Vegas Aces and the Atlanta Dream on Friday, July 12, 2024 at the Gateway Center Arena in College Park, Georgia. (Photo: Itoro N. Umontuen/The Atlanta Voice) Destanni Henderson fires a pass during the second half of a WNBA game between the Las Vegas Aces and the Atlanta Dream on Friday, July 12, 2024 at the Gateway Center Arena in College Park, Georgia. (Photo: Itoro N. Umontuen/The Atlanta Voice) A’ja Wilson reacts after making a three-point shot during the first half of a WNBA game between the Las Vegas Aces and the Atlanta Dream on Friday, July 12, 2024 at the Gateway Center Arena in College Park, Georgia. (Photo: Itoro N. Umontuen/The Atlanta Voice) Kelsey Plum attempts a layup during the first half of a WNBA game between the Las Vegas Aces and the Atlanta Dream on Friday, July 12, 2024 at the Gateway Center Arena in College Park, Georgia. (Photo: Itoro N. Umontuen/The Atlanta Voice) Kelsey Plum drives the lane during the first half of a WNBA game between the Las Vegas Aces and the Atlanta Dream on Friday, July 12, 2024 at the Gateway Center Arena in College Park, Georgia. (Photo: Itoro N. Umontuen/The Atlanta Voice) Allisha Gray runs back on defense after scoring a bucket during the first half of a WNBA game between the Las Vegas Aces and the Atlanta Dream on Friday, July 12, 2024 at the Gateway Center Arena in College Park, Georgia. (Photo: Itoro N. Umontuen/The Atlanta Voice) Kelsey Plum celebrates during the first half of a WNBA game between the Las Vegas Aces and the Atlanta Dream on Friday, July 12, 2024 at the Gateway Center Arena in College Park, Georgia. (Photo: Itoro N. Umontuen/The Atlanta Voice) Chelsea Gray initiates the offense during the first half of a WNBA game between the Las Vegas Aces and the Atlanta Dream on Friday, July 12, 2024 at the Gateway Center Arena in College Park, Georgia. (Photo: Itoro N. Umontuen/The Atlanta Voice) Kelsey Plum helps up Chelsea Gray during the first half of a WNBA game between the Las Vegas Aces and the Atlanta Dream on Friday, July 12, 2024 at the Gateway Center Arena in College Park, Georgia. (Photo: Itoro N. Umontuen/The Atlanta Voice) Chelsea Gray attempts a layup during the first half of a WNBA game between the Las Vegas Aces and the Atlanta Dream on Friday, July 12, 2024 at the Gateway Center Arena in College Park, Georgia. (Photo: Itoro N. Umontuen/The Atlanta Voice)
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