The Las Vegas Aces and Phoenix Mercury square off in a critical game that could affect seeding in the playoff race. The Aces are still in the running for the first seed, and the Mercury is in the running to get up the fifth seed. Both teams have gotten key players back in the lineup.
A’Ja Wilson and Brittney Griner Are Back
Aces All-Star player A’Ja Wilson came back and played on Sunday against the Chicago Sky. She scored 25 points, eight rebounds, and had four blocked shots. In the nine games that she missed the Ace’s went 6-3. Wilson helped Las Vegas clinch a playoff berth.
Mercury center Brittney Griner returns from her three-game suspension. Phoenix went 2-1 during Griner suspension. DeWanna Bonner stepped it up while Griner was out. Bonner averaged 24.7 points and 9.7 rebounds per game in Griner’s absence.
Key Matchup
The key matchup in this game will be at the center position. Liz Cambage and Brittney Griner, two of the WNBA’s best center will go at it. Both players play physical against each other, and both do not back down. It will come down to who will be smart and not pick up quick fouls to land themselves on the bench. Cambage and Griner are known for getting in fierce physical battles, so this matchup will be fun to watch.
If DeWanna Bonner can have an outstanding game, the Mercury could pull it out, but it will be a tough task against the Aces hardcore defense. Las Vegas has the best defensive rating in the WNBA. Look for the Mercury to lean on Griner early maybe to get Cambage in foul trouble. I see A’Ja Wilson as the x-factor on this game. With her back, the Ace’s are on another level.
I think this game will be a tightly contested physical basketball game; both teams play physical defense. So if you’re into old school basketball, this will be the game to watch.
