Aces vs Lynx Preview: Kelsey Plum and Wilson, Aces Aim for Consecutive Home Wins

On the morning of August 22, the regular season of the WNBA continues with the Aces hosting the Lynx.

The Aces defeated the weaker Sparks in their last game, refusing a three-game losing streak. They currently rank fifth in the league with a record of 16 wins and 8 losses. Compared to last season, the Aces’ performance in the regular season has declined significantly. Last season they achieved an impressive 34 wins and 6 losses in the regular season, ranking first. In the playoffs, the Aces remained strong, only losing one game and winning the championship with a 3-1 victory over the Liberty.

Their goal this new season is to defend their title, but from the state they have shown so far, it will be challenging. During the off-season, the Aces retained the core lineup of defending champions, including Wilson, Plum, Jackie Young, and Gray. Three number one draft picks gathered together. The Aces also strengthened during the off-season, bringing back Kay Stokes, Alisa Clark, Kirsten Bell, and Sydney Colson. These four players played a crucial role in the Aces’ title defense journey. However, the overall effect has not been as good as last season.

The Aces are very strong in scoring ability, averaging 87.8 points per game, which ranks first in the league. However, there are significant defensive issues, conceding an average of 82.4 points per game. This is the main reason why the Aces cannot consistently rank at the top of the league. Fortunately, the Aces maintain a good efficiency in outside shooting and ball control. They can hit an average of 9.3 three-pointers per game, ranking at the forefront of the league, and can control turnovers to just 11.4 per game, the lowest in the league. Only three players on the Aces average double-digit scores, with Wilson averaging 27.3 points, 12 rebounds, and 2.2 assists, Jackie Young averaging 17.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 5.3 assists, and Plum averaging 18.2 points and 4.5 assists.

In their last game, the Aces easily beat the Sparks 87-71 at home. Facing the weaker Sparks, although the Aces won, they did not show a completely overwhelming trend. Four players scored in double figures, with Wilson exploding for a double-double of 34 points and 13 rebounds, and Plum contributing 21 points. Thanks to their outstanding performances, the Aces did not suffer an upset, but they did not dominate the rebounding battle. Combined with the team’s previous consecutive home losses to the Sky and the Liberty, it is clear that the Aces still have considerable problems.

The Lynx, after defeating the Mystics in their last game, secured a three-game winning streak, temporarily ranking third in the league with 18 wins and 8 losses. The Lynx’s scoring ability is excellent, averaging 82.2 points per game, ranking sixth in the league. They can keep their points conceded to just 75.6 per game, the second-lowest in the league. Maintaining balance on both ends of the court is the Lynx’s biggest strength. Notably, the Lynx’s outside shooting is hot, averaging 9.8 three-pointers per game, ranking second in the league, with a three-point shooting percentage of 38.4%, leading the league.

Compared to last season, the Lynx’s performance has greatly improved, partly due to their adjustments during the off-season. During the break, the Lynx signed scorer Pilley, the eighth pick in the draft, and brought in veteran Courtney Williams and starting power forward Smith from the Sky. Although they lost Banham and Tiffany Mitchell, the overall effect of the Lynx’s lineup adjustments has been effective. So far this season, four players on the Lynx have averaged double-digit points, with Collier averaging 20.3 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 3.6 assists, McBride averaging 15.9 points and 3.4 assists, Smith averaging 11.1 points and 5.5 rebounds, and Williams averaging 10.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.4 assists.

In their most recent game, the Lynx defeated the Mystics 99-83 on the road. In this game, the Lynx had a field goal percentage of 57.8%, and their three-point shooting percentage was as high as 52.4%. With such high efficiency, four Lynx players scored in double figures, with Collier exploding for 30 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists, and Carlton scoring 16 points. The Lynx were in excellent form overall.

Tomorrow’s game is the third meeting between the two teams this season, with each team having won once away from home. In the most recent game, the Lynx defeated the Aces 100-86 on the road. Despite Wilson’s game-high 28 points and 8 rebounds for the Aces, the Lynx’s team effort carried them to victory. It is understood that the Aces will have a full squad ready to play. A strong matchup, who will come out on top? Let’s wait and see.

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