LAS VEGAS (AP) — A’ja Wilson scored 38 factors to tie a playoff profession excessive, Jackie Younger had a go-ahead observe shot with 12.4 seconds left and the Las Vegas Aces beat the Seattle Storm 74-73 on Thursday evening to safe a spot within the WNBA semifinals.
Wilson, who had 25 factors within the second half, had a layup roll off the rim with 25 seconds left and Erica Wheeler raced the opposite means on a 2-on-1 break with Skylar Diggins. Wheeler pulled up within the lane to sink a jumper to present Seattle a 73-72 lead with 18 seconds remaining.
Wilson missed one other shot, however Younger was there for the putback. After a timeout to get to midcourt, Wheeler had a superb look from the free throw line that hit off the again rim and Seattle couldn’t get off one other shot earlier than the buzzer.
Las Vegas secured its seventh consecutive semifinal look. The second-seeded Aces advance to play on Sunday in opposition to No. 6 Indiana, which eradicated Atlanta earlier.
Younger completed with 14 factors and Chelsea Grey had 12 factors and eight assists for Las Vegas. Wilson, who was 14 of 26 from the sphere and 10 of 11 on the line, scored 30-plus factors in a playoff sport for the sixth time in her profession — tied for the second-most in WNBA historical past.
Nneka Ogwumike scored 14 of her 16 factors within the second half for Seattle. Wheeler additionally scored 16 and Diggins added 13.
Diggins made a wide-open 3-pointer from the nook with 1:14 remaining to present Seattle a 71-70 lead, its first because it was 24-23. After a timeout, Wilson made a shot within the lane to regain the lead.
