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Las Vegas Aces Struggle As New York Claims Top Spot

Las Vegas Aces guard Kelsey Plum gestures during the first half of a WNBA basketball game against the Los Angeles Sparks, Sunday, June 9, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)

The two-time defending champion Las Vegas Aces have encountered a rocky start to the current WNBA season, displaying inconsistency in their performance over the first month. With a record of 5-4, the Aces have suffered three losses in their last four games, a departure from their previous season's dominance where they did not lose their fourth game until August.

One contributing factor to their struggles has been the absence of starting guard Chelsea Gray, who is still recovering from a leg injury sustained during the WNBA Finals last season, with no definitive timeline for her return.

Despite these challenges, A'ja Wilson has been a standout player for the Aces, setting a new WNBA record by scoring at least 20 points in 14 consecutive games. Wilson also achieved the milestone of becoming the third fastest player in WNBA history to reach 4,000 career points. Her defensive prowess has been equally impressive, consistently blocking shots in every game this season.

League Standings and Attendance

A'ja Wilson sets WNBA records for scoring and defensive play.
Las Vegas Aces struggle with 5-4 record and Chelsea Gray's absence.
New York Liberty tops AP WNBA poll, followed by Connecticut and Minnesota.
WNBA sees increased attendance and TV ratings, indicating rising popularity.
Players like Clark show determination, rookies Jackson and Brink impress.

In the latest AP WNBA poll, the New York Liberty claimed the top spot, followed by Connecticut and Minnesota. Las Vegas and Seattle rounded out the top five. The league has seen a surge in attendance and television ratings, with the highest attendance since 1998 and record-breaking television viewership, indicating the growing popularity of the WNBA.

Player Updates and Rookie Performances

Players like Clark have expressed motivation to excel despite setbacks, while rookies like Rickea Jackson and Cameron Brink have shown promise with notable performances. Breanna Stewart of New York was named the AP Player of the Week for her outstanding contributions to the Liberty's recent victories.

Upcoming Games and Highlights

The upcoming game between New York and Las Vegas is anticipated as a rematch of last season's WNBA Finals, with the Liberty aiming to continue their winning streak. The league continues to showcase exciting matchups and emerging talents, keeping fans engaged and enthusiastic about the ongoing season.

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