At the end of the first quarter, the Aces trailed by nine points in Game 1 and 17 points in Game 2. They fell behind 11-0 in Game 3.
Aces
The Aces were blown out for the second straight game, falling to the host Phoenix Mercury in Game 3 of the WNBA semifinals. They face a win-or-go-home Game 4 on Wednesday in Phoenix.
Point guard Chelsea Gray is the only WNBA champion on the Aces’ roster, having won the title in 2016 with the Los Angeles Sparks and reaching the finals again in 2017.
Aces coach Bill Laimbeer said after Thursday’s loss to the Phoenix Mercury that he’s “getting a little tired of the referees and the way they referee us versus the other team.”
The Aces were at Taurasi’s mercy Thursday night during Game 2, falling 117-91 to her Phoenix Mercury in Game 2 of the best-of-five series.
Kelsey Plum on Thursday was named Sixth Player of the Year, receiving 41 votes from a panel comprised of 49 journalists and broadcasters who cover the WNBA.
Riquna Williams showcased the offensive package Tuesday that once helped her eclipse 50 points in a WNBA game, erupting for 14 of her game-high 26 points in the first quarter.
Riquna Williams scored 14 of her team-high 26 points in the first quarter, and Kelsey Plum scored 20 of her 25 points in the second half in the Aces’ 96-90 victory.
Aces center Liz Cambage returned to practice last week after a lengthy bout with COVID-19, and is ready to battle with Pheonix Mercury center Brittney Griner in a matchup of perhaps the league’s top two centers.
Plum on Wednesday was named the Sixth Woman and Comeback Player of the Year by the Associated Press.
The Aces earned the No. 2 seed in the playoffs and thus have secured a double bye into the WNBA semifinals, which begin for them on Sept. 28 at Michelob Ultra Arena.
The All-Star center returned Sunday after missing five games with COVID-19. The Aces eked out a 84-83 road win over the Phoenix Mercury in the regular-season finale.
Riquna Williams led the way with 22 points, and Kelsey Plum continued her Sixth Woman of the Year campaign by scoring 16 of her 20 in the second quarter for the Aces.
Liz Cambage will join the team Saturday in Phoenix ahead the regular season-finale, according to Aces coach Bill Laimbeer.
Kelsey Plum continued her Sixth Woman of the Year campaign with one of the best performances of the season, helping at least the Aces clinch the No. 3 seed with two games to play.