**Las Vegas Aces Advance to WNBA Semifinals with Victory Over Seattle Storm**
September 25, 2023 – In a thrilling showdown that showcased the talents of two of the league's brightest stars, the Las Vegas Aces secured their spot in the 2024 WNBA semifinals by defeating the Seattle Storm 83-76.
The dynamic duo of Kelsey Plum and A'ja Wilson led the charge, combining for an impressive 53 points at the Michelob ULTRA Arena.
Plum, who delivered a standout performance, led all scorers with 29 points. Her ability to find the basket, coupled with her relentless energy on the court, proved instrumental in the Aces' victory.
Meanwhile, Wilson, fresh off being named the WNBA MVP just days prior, contributed significantly with 24 points and 13 rebounds, including an explosive 18 points in the first half alone.
Aces head coach Becky Hammon praised her team's collective effort, emphasizing that any player could step up on any given night. "It's about winning," she stated confidently to reporters after the game.
Having clinched their series against the Storm, the No. 4 seeded Aces are set to face off against the top-seeded New York Liberty in the next round.
The Liberty advanced to the semifinals after completing a first-round sweep, defeating the No. 8 Atlanta Dream 91-82 in Brooklyn on the same night.
As the Aces prepare for their upcoming matchup against the Liberty, Plum acknowledged the importance of focusing on their own game plan. "We have to focus on what we do," she asserted, hinting at the strategic preparations ahead.
Throughout the game against Seattle, the Aces dominated key statistics, outscoring their opponents 42-34 in the paint and 9-6 on fast breaks. They built a lead as large as 16 points and maintained control with only two lead changes throughout the contest.
In addition to Plum and Wilson's stellar performances, Aces guard Chelsea Gray contributed significantly with 12 points, nine assists, and four rebounds. Plum also showcased her versatility by adding six rebounds and three assists to her game-high point total.
On the opposing side, Gabby Williams led the Storm with 20 points, while fellow forward Nneka Ogwumike recorded a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds. Center Ezi Magbegor made her mark with 14 points, and veteran guard Skylar Diggins-Smith added 13 points along with 10 assists.
Looking ahead, the Aces will face a formidable challenge as they take on the Liberty in Game 1 of their best-of-five semifinals series on Saturday at Barclays Center. Both teams will be eager to assert their dominance early in the series as they vie for a spot in the WNBA Finals.
In other playoff action, WNBA Rookie of the Year Caitlin Clark and the No. 6 Indiana Fever are set to continue their first-round series against the No. 3 Connecticut Sun after falling behind in Game 1. Meanwhile, the No. 2 Minnesota Lynx will host the No. 7 Phoenix Mercury in their Game 2 matchup.
As the playoffs progress, basketball fans can expect thrilling matchups and unforgettable moments as teams battle for supremacy in pursuit of championship glory. The stage is set for an exciting WNBA postseason, and all eyes will be on the Aces as they look to make history in their quest for a title.
