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St Pete Hurricanes VS Las Vegas Aces
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Transcript
00:06Hello, and welcome to this 2K Sports presentation of the WNBA and the Las Vegas Aces.
00:14And from Sin City, I'm Blake Suniga, joined by two terrible poker players, Brian Banifateni
00:20and Tim Swartz, and we're in for a good one tonight.
00:24Well, for the 2025 season, the WNBA made some changes to their playoff format.
00:30Yeah, the best-of-three first-round series now follow the 1-1-1 schedule, which increases
00:36travel but assures that every team gets a home game.
00:40Yeah, I love that.
00:41You know, you guarantee now that every team that makes the playoffs, their home fans will
00:45get a playoff game.
00:46It wasn't like that before.
00:47The other big thing is they extended the finals format, going from best-of-five to best-of-seven,
00:52which has a 2-2, 1-1-1 structure, with the higher seed hosting games 1, 2, and then 5
00:59-7
00:59if necessary.
01:20Here we go.
01:24And it's the Aces to start out.
01:30Outside Lloyd, to the inside.
01:33Wilson, the second-chance effort, the put-back.
01:38She hangs in there and dashes in on the second-chance points.
01:42Well, a focal point of Wilson's game is crashing the glass.
01:46And she really just refuses to quit on any play.
01:50Yeah, late reaction for the defense.
01:52She's always going to convert that.
01:54And the Aces selecting Asia Wilson with the first pick back in the 2018 draft.
01:59That was a franchise-changing moment.
02:01Absolutely.
02:02Wilson has now won a few MVPs and multiple titles with the Aces.
02:07proving that when you add a generational player like Asia, it can change everything.
02:14One up, one down.
02:16One up, one down.
02:16She makes her first shot in this game.
02:18The floor general sensibilities of VanderSloot on full display.
02:23Awesome job finding the wide-open teammate.
02:26Boyd from long range.
02:28Still looking for her first make after that miss.
02:310 for 2.
02:33Turner.
02:34She's guarded by Wilson.
02:36And now the Aces on the break.
02:38Here's Gray.
02:39Parker tie is good.
02:41What a smooth finish.
02:43And that's why they always love seeing her on the end of those breaks.
02:52Goes up and lays it in nice and easy.
02:56That is right where they wanted to get that ball.
03:02Here's Young.
03:07Unloads from 13 feet.
03:09It's rebounded by VanderSloot.
03:14Now here's Pow Pow.
03:16Good for the basket starting off one for one with that shot.
03:20Looking good so far.
03:21Made all four of their shots to get it going.
03:25On the wing, Jewel Lloyd.
03:28They get it back.
03:30Wilson makes it off the glass.
03:33Few players better than Wilson inside has a rare combo of touch and length,
03:37plus the desire to beat you.
03:39Here's VanderSloot.
03:40First shot is good, making her a perfect 2 for 2 from the floor.
03:46And here in the first, approaching 3 minutes played.
03:51Tennessee Gray for 3.
03:53No good.
03:55Turner with the ball.
03:57Parker ties picks her up defensively.
04:02Manor Sloot with it.
04:04Parker ties is there.
04:05It's good.
04:06Wow.
04:08I mean, come on.
04:08That's 10 straight points in the paint.
04:10The defense, it's just nowhere to be found.
04:13They have to start committing more bodies down low.
04:15Now, here's Gray.
04:19Now, here's Gray.
04:24The Aces making a switch.
04:27Number 20, Ariel Powers.
04:39And right before the 2025 WNBA season, Chelsea Gray won finals MVP of the new 3-on-3 league.
04:47Yeah, it was a lot of fun to watch that 3-on-3 league.
04:50It was great playing during the offseason, adding another title to her resume.
04:54She's got gold in the games, a few titles in the WNBA as well for good measure.
04:59Now, here's Wilson.
05:02Shot clock at 6.
05:06Here's Powers.
05:07And another miss by Las Vegas.
05:12Here's Turner.
05:14Gets hauled in by the Aces.
05:16A bonafide all-star.
05:19Talk about Jackie Young and her game.
05:21Well, she's got great size for a guard and can bully smaller players with her strength.
05:27But then, you've got to also factor in the skill side of things.
05:30Young has finished top three in three-point shooting a couple times.
05:35Substitution for the first position.
05:37Number 11, Dana Evans.
05:43The Aces trailing.
05:47Hey, eyes up. Watch her. Don't get her straight.
05:51Hey!
05:53Nice defense by Courtney Vandersloot.
05:56Two minutes in here versus two minutes in here.
06:02Yep, that one goes.
06:04Once you let Vandersloot get to the rim, the damage is already done.
06:08She's too skilled around the basket.
06:13Here's Evans.
06:15Pulls back up.
06:17And Wilson finishes it off.
06:22Now Vandersloot.
06:24She's got eight.
06:28Yes, it's good.
06:30Not much resistance on the inside.
06:33That's their fifth consecutive fake in the paint.
06:36Those looks they're allowing are almost automatic.
06:40In fact, I'll just say it.
06:42They are automatic.
06:43Parker Tyus.
06:44Good.
06:45Coach has always told me that if you battle for offensive rebounds,
06:49you're guaranteed a high-quality shot on the follow,
06:53just like she got there.
06:55Pow Pow gets the bucket.
06:57Three.
06:57I mean, that shot just becomes effortless for her
07:00when the defense is so relaxed like that.
07:06Now here's Evans.
07:08Defense right on her.
07:10No good with the triple.
07:12Well, with the clear look at the basket,
07:14she doesn't really miss a lot of those.
07:16Pharrell.
07:17Evans covering.
07:19Here's Turner.
07:21And so she draws the foul on the shot.
07:24A trick to the line to shoot two.
07:25Not afraid to challenge defenders.
07:30Turner plays with confidence and composure.
07:34First free throw is good.
07:52That one misses.
07:57Right side powers.
07:59Gray.
08:01No good on the three.
08:03They're shooting numbers slipping this quarter.
08:06And they have certainly been looking locked in offensively.
08:09They sure have.
08:09Staying aggressive and playing in control.
08:12Here's you, Haas.
08:13Good.
08:14First shot, first basket.
08:16They're forcing the ball inside and it's working like a charm.
08:20No love needed.
08:21It is working for sure.
08:23Five of their last six field goals.
08:25And it comes from inside the paint.
08:28Terrific defensive play.
08:30Cut her off.
08:31Squared up.
08:32Nice play.
08:32Yeah, not showing some toughness on defense.
08:35Getting physical.
08:36Sticking her nose in there.
08:38And making a play.
08:41Bell.
08:42Power's covering.
08:46It could go.
08:47And it would have counted had it fallen.
08:49But it's offline.
08:50A free-flowing first quarter.
08:53Great scoring through one.
08:55Up by eight.
08:56Let's take a quick break.
08:58And then it's on to the second quarter after this.
09:15And now the second quarter just getting set to begin.
09:19Really just the start they wanted to this game.
09:22Solid offense through one.
09:23Not a lot of stalls for them on the offensive end here.
09:33Pass to you, Haas.
09:38And here's Bell.
09:40Expanding her range.
09:42Alyssa Smith grabs the miss.
09:46Here's Powers.
09:48Now in the scoring column with that deuce.
09:51One for two this game.
09:52Well, a player that's affected from three-point land.
09:55Powers is at home in the paint.
09:57Pouring that bucket closer in.
10:00Las Vegas grabs the miss.
10:02You know, if the shot's not there for you,
10:06sometimes you just got to recognize it.
10:08Don't shoot.
10:09Not quite sure what her mindset was there,
10:11but that was not a good shot.
10:14That's a heads-up play there on offense.
10:16The pump fake cleared the way for the nice layup.
10:19Great job spotting her teammate near the bucket and firing the pass in there.
10:25Pass to Evans.
10:27Powers.
10:30Screen by Smith.
10:32To the middle.
10:34Good.
10:34And the assist goes to Ariel Powers.
10:37Three consecutive field goals have come right at the rim.
10:41The defense better start buckling down.
10:43They're getting exposed and punished down low.
10:47Hey, when you think about the best rebounders in the game,
10:49Melissa Smith has to be in the conversation.
10:52Well, statistically, she's been a top rebounder in the league.
10:55Smith is 6'4", that's nice job boxing out, getting physical in the paint.
11:00And so it looks like the Aces will retain possession here.
11:03She had no choice but to lunge for that pass to make sure it didn't get through.
11:08Yeah, and that was important because probably would have been a quick two points
11:12if she doesn't knock it out of bounds.
11:14So, I love that effort level.
11:16And the Aces call time here.
11:19To the control.
11:20Give it a hand, go you big squad.
11:36Here's Gray.
11:38Five points in the game.
11:40Smith.
11:42Pass to Young.
11:47the aces with another miss the defenders cannot lose track of her because usually
11:54that shot will go down now burrell
12:02here's dangerous loop it's hauled in by chelsea gray the defense can't make a habit of giving
12:08her that shot she just doesn't miss many of them pass to lloyd the three ball that misses and she's
12:190 for 4 even without that three ball dropping for her the defense should have done way more on that
12:25last play yeah and he's got to be better as a coach you can't stand seeing her having that much
12:32space
12:32to get her shot off takes the assist and lays it in picks out the pass nicely yeah whether by
12:41design
12:41or by accident that was a very high quality shot they created pass to johannes inside
12:50you house that's good and you house is such a tough cover in the front corner with her size and
12:57skill
12:57she really makes the defense work now here's young still getting warmed up offensively no buckets yet
13:05in the game for her and just under three and a half minutes played here in the second quarter
13:11and her slew outside
13:15basket counts they've had assists now on their last three baskets everybody always thinks it's
13:23passing that gets you assists but also their movement off the ball it's created those opportunities
13:31because of gray's masterful and sophisticated offensive acumen opposing coaches have problems game plan
13:41so both teams changing it up here
13:50here's vandersloot 14 points for her over lloyd and off the front iron and in it goes some defensive
14:00breakdowns happening now their last four buckets allowed have come from very close range and giving
14:07up these high percentage shot attempts it's not going to get it done they need to figure it out
14:12she has slipped into a real funk here definitely the basket is not looking very big to her at this
14:20point just stay close to her i mean really that's all the defender had to do there young shots good
14:28after starting the game off pretty slow they've really come to life here yeah they're putting it
14:33together still trailing though but their offense it's gaining some traction now here's turner
14:40vander salute outside pow pow that's the burrell fires the three aja wilson grabs the board
14:50outside young
14:55uses the glass to finish the layup keeping young out of the paint has to be a focus for this
15:01defense she is
15:01so effective near the rim to the right side back to vandersloot pow pow that's good and so courtney
15:12vandersloot gets the assist how many times have we seen a possession like that from them today
15:17such a pretty pass i don't have an exact number for you but i can tell you it's we've seen
15:23it a lot
15:23okay let's just say that strictly using assists as the measuring stick they've been by far the better
15:29team that's just running the bill for her she's one of the more skilled offensive players out there
15:38and here is vandersloot 16 points for her the rebound by asia wilson
15:45six seconds separating the shot in game fox tries the spin move lloyd tries again and smith lays it in
15:54if you don't really box smith out put a body on her she'll do that to you all night
16:02down low
16:04kerner with the bucket you just love a player like her she's been the floor general at the
16:10offensive end she has been on it today just doing a great job of keeping that ball moving
16:23and the first half comes to an end we've got a close game going on here
16:28leading by just one and don't go away after the break we'll see you right back here for the start
16:34of
16:34quarter number three
17:04uh
17:05uh
17:22you
17:24you
17:24you
17:25you
17:34And now the start of the second half.
17:37Neither side jumping out ahead through the first two quarters.
17:40Really, just an incredible game from VanderSloot.
17:43Her decision-making simply flawless today.
17:47Nothing but quality shots from her in the first half.
17:49She wasn't forcing anything.
17:51Yeah, but I think here in the second half, they may want her to be a little more assertive
17:57and start taking more shots, even the tough ones.
18:08That's the Burrell.
18:10Here's Turner.
18:11And he's guarded by Parker Tyus.
18:16Now here's Pow Pow.
18:18Guarded closely.
18:20Yep, that goes.
18:25The ace is trailing.
18:30With the step back, here's Parker Tyus.
18:33Another shot.
18:35And she lays it up and in.
18:37This game has been very close in a lot of areas,
18:40but rebounding is one thing that's gone in their favor.
18:43Yeah, effort and determination on the glass,
18:45they really can compensate for a lot of deficiencies.
18:50Pow Pow gets the bucket.
18:52She has shot the ball exceptionally well as they built this lead for themselves.
19:00To the wing, right side.
19:01We'll see Gray for three.
19:03Another three for Las Vegas.
19:06A big-time offensive talent who can score points from all over the floor.
19:12Gray can punish defenses from deep.
19:14Well, it's a bit odd seeing Jewel Lloyd out there not in a Storm uniform, you know?
19:20Yeah, from going first overall in 2015 to six all-star appearances, two titles.
19:26Lloyd spent her first 10 seasons with the Storm.
19:28And no doubt, she's still got plenty of fans in Seattle.
19:31Now, here's Gray.
19:33Ten points for her.
19:38To the paint.
19:40Wilson.
19:41And that one good.
19:43Three of four to start the half.
19:44Timeout 0-18.
19:57Timeout 0-18.
20:13Now, here's Vandersloot.
20:14Gray defending.
20:16Vandersloot shot us good.
20:18It's just been a great start for this offense here in the second half.
20:22They're four for four right now.
20:27Gray, here we go.
20:29Here's Parker Tyus.
20:31Tries yet again.
20:32It's tipped.
20:33With the jumping ability, Rihanna Turner can get up there to send shots away.
20:40Pow Pow gets the bucket.
20:42Five straight now.
20:43Coming out of halftime.
20:44Rolling.
20:46Just under two and a half minutes into this third quarter now.
20:50Gray outside.
20:5311 feet out.
20:55And the Aces tack on two more.
20:57An extremely high basketball IQ allows Gray to be the type of special playmaker we're seeing today.
21:05She is setting this place on fire.
21:10Her shooting has been off the charts.
21:12Now a timeout called by Las Vegas.
21:15Hey, it's hard to see.
21:17She's shaking up.
21:17I have no choice but to take a timeout.
21:19Let her get some medical attention.
21:21Hope she's okay.
21:42Three minutes gone now in the third quarter.
21:44And it's Wilson missing.
21:48Out to the left wing.
21:52Out to the wing.
21:53Here's Pharrell.
21:56And the three off target.
22:01Now here's Gray.
22:02Vander Sloot defending.
22:04Out to Lloyd.
22:06And there's a whistle.
22:07That goes on Turner.
22:09That's foul number two for her.
22:1215.
22:14Substitution on the wing.
22:26Third quarter action in just under three and a half minutes of pass.
22:32Here's Gray.
22:34Nails it from the high post.
22:36A hard worker who is always getting better.
22:40Gray's mid-range game is pretty fine too now.
22:44Turner with the bucket.
22:45They own the paint right now.
22:47Ten straight coming from the inside.
22:49They are constantly finding lanes to the hoop.
22:52Getting great looks in tight.
22:54Now here's Gray.
22:5614 points for her.
22:58Young.
23:00Uncovers.
23:02But they get it back.
23:04Their offensive rebound.
23:05It's been a big story today.
23:07And even with the big lead,
23:09they're still showing more hustle on the boards.
23:12Here's Pharrell.
23:13She hasn't scored yet.
23:15But that, I'm sure, will change.
23:20Gray outside.
23:21Jacks up a three.
23:23A nice shot by Powers.
23:25At the level of shooter that Powers is,
23:27letting her catch and fire,
23:29it's not a recipe for success for the defense.
23:33Teardrop shot.
23:34And it's good on the layup.
23:36They're finding lanes to the hoop every time down.
23:39Five buckets in a row from the paint.
23:41And on the flip side,
23:43the defenders have to show more fight on the interior.
23:46Early some fight.
23:48Yep.
23:49Count it.
23:49You know, I think the size of Gray sometimes surprises opponents.
23:53Yes, she's a one.
23:54But she's almost six feet and just so strong.
23:58Here's Pharrell.
23:59It's good from long range.
24:01She might not have the long range ability of some other players in this league.
24:05But she'll knock down open ones like that.
24:09Outside, Young.
24:12Outside, Powers.
24:14Wilson, left side.
24:16Over, Turner.
24:18And it's Wilson missing.
24:19The way she's been going this quarter,
24:21they're going to need someone else to pick up the slack.
24:25Well-timed pass and goes straight to the bucket for the layup.
24:29After being a little more free-flowing in the first half,
24:32they're starting to get away from the three here in the second.
24:35Haven't had as many attempts.
24:37Young's shot's good.
24:39Usually she's providing the pass.
24:40Young has to be happy to be on the receiving end of a catch-and-shoot.
24:44More than willing to fire.
24:46Out to the right wing.
24:47Pass to Burrell.
24:49Now here's Pow-Pow.
24:51And here's Turner.
24:52She's guarded by Wilson.
24:55Just five to shoot.
24:58Here's Burrell.
25:00That shot off.
25:02And as we conclude the third quarter, what a game.
25:05Neither team giving ground.
25:07Up three.
25:08And we're coming back right after this break
25:11to get the fourth quarter started.
25:30Thanks for joining us again as we get set for the fourth quarter.
25:33A terrific game so far.
25:41Las Vegas trailing.
25:46Jackie Young on the wing.
25:52And count it from 19 feet away.
25:54I love that shot from Young.
25:56Make defenders worry about the entire floor.
25:59Not just the paint and the threes.
26:00Make them guard you in the mid-ring.
26:03To the middle.
26:06Bell.
26:07Power's covering.
26:08Shot's good by Bell.
26:10Well, if you came to see some offense,
26:12you're really liking what you're seeing.
26:15Yeah, no lack of scoring pop in this one.
26:17I just hope you didn't come to see defense.
26:19Because if you did, you've had a long day.
26:22So come on.
26:23Who comes to a basketball game to see defense?
26:25Controls the rebound and puts it back up and in.
26:28Way to work the glass.
26:30Buffet style.
26:31Everyone grab a plate.
26:32Second chance buckets.
26:34They can make a big difference.
26:36She gets that one.
26:38Unselfish basketball on the interior.
26:41That's the kind of pass a coach loves to see.
26:45Pass to Young.
26:47Back to Powers.
26:52Inside.
26:55Beyond the arc.
26:57Rebound by Juhas.
26:59Surprising miss, wouldn't you say?
27:01I mean, she usually devours those wide-open opportunities.
27:08To the inside.
27:10Right wing.
27:13Let's it go from 11.
27:15Lloyd grabs the board.
27:17Here's Las Vegas.
27:19Trailing by four.
27:24Now here's Powers.
27:26D right on her.
27:30And she uses a glass on the layup.
27:33That's the area where they'd like all their shots to come from.
27:40And her slew outside.
27:44Pass to Juhedis.
27:47Now Juhas.
27:49Beautiful dish.
27:50And the layup goes down.
27:52She always knows where her teammates are going to be.
27:56And she'll have that ball there waiting for them.
27:59Outside Young.
28:02Here's Smith.
28:04Lays it up and banks it in.
28:06The moment Melissa Smith gets that ball inside.
28:09Good night.
28:10I mean, Melissa is so hard to stop.
28:12Pass to Juhas.
28:15Stolen by Powers.
28:18On the wing.
28:19Goul Lloyd.
28:20To tie it up.
28:21Hits some rim on the way in.
28:23And the bucket's good.
28:25And that makes it a tie ball game.
28:29Over to the wing.
28:33And her slew.
28:34Covered by Lloyd.
28:35And here's Bell.
28:38Down low.
28:39And good.
28:41Off the lead pass that time.
28:43And this game is really heated up.
28:45I didn't think it could get any more high scoring than it already was.
28:49Yeah, well, no one's ever going to argue with more offense.
28:53And that's exactly what we're getting.
28:55I'm not going to argue with you, Brian.
28:56Let's see more offense.
28:57And the Aces call time here.
29:02Go, are you this one?
29:05Go, are you this one?
29:16Get over, get over.
29:20A bit under three and a half minutes have passed here in the fourth.
29:24Great.
29:25Vandersloot defending.
29:27The Aces with another miss.
29:30Wow.
29:31I thought that was absolutely automatic.
29:36Pass to Johannes.
29:39That's good.
29:41And so Courtney Vandersloot gets the assist.
29:44And here are the Aces now.
29:47A four-point game.
29:50Great for three.
29:52Here's Wilson.
29:54And Bell pulls it down.
29:55That's the kind of D that's needed when she's got the ball near the hoops.
29:59They were all over her.
30:00To the wing.
30:01Right side.
30:03She tries for three.
30:05Rebound by the Aces.
30:11Young with it.
30:12Here's Wilson.
30:13Good for her.
30:14Six make in a dozen attempts.
30:17Shooting 50% with that basket.
30:20Here's Vandersloot.
30:24Pass to Harrison.
30:26Back to Vandersloot.
30:28Harrison.
30:30That one goes.
30:32Count it.
30:33Very clever passing.
30:34She put that ball on a silver platter for her.
30:39Screen by Young.
30:41It's a great for three.
30:43Makes that one fall.
30:44It's her eighth bucket and 15 shot attempts.
30:47Big bucket in a big situation.
30:49These kinds of plays come second nature to Gray.
30:53Pass to Bell.
30:57And she finishes nicely on the layup.
31:00Great communication between teammates there.
31:05Here's Gray.
31:08Now Wilson.
31:09Defended by Harrison.
31:11Second shot opportunity.
31:13Count it.
31:14And what a sensational bucket to bring them within one.
31:18Ice water in her vase.
31:21Everyone in the building knew that Aja Wilson was going to take it and make it.
31:45Out to Burrell.
31:49Turner.
31:51Vandersloot outside.
31:53Down to the wing.
31:56Offline with a three.
31:58And this could be a turning point.
32:01Critical possession here.
32:04Outside Young.
32:07Great.
32:09Offensive rebound.
32:13Lloyd.
32:15Cans the three.
32:17You love to see how cool Lloyd ever backs down.
32:22Goes on the attack and finds the big bucket.
32:32Over to the left wing.
32:36Can't get the three to fall.
32:37And they foul intentionally.
32:39And they're going to have to do it again.
32:41They're not in the penalty yet.
32:42Yeah.
32:43They had to do that.
32:44You just can't let them dribble it out.
32:46Definitely.
32:46Got to stop the clock any way possible.
32:49And just hope they short arm until their free throws.
32:52It's a good foul.
32:53And it's a good point in this situation to make them hit their guts.
33:05She gets the first.
33:07And that makes it a three-point lead.
33:14And she hits both free throws.
33:16And it's a four-point ball game.
33:18No mistakes there.
33:20And I think you can close the book on this one, guys.
33:24Quick bucket and foul.
33:25It's really the only option they have at this point.
33:28And the important thing, Tim, is who they foul.
33:31They don't want to send an ace to the line if they can avoid it.
33:34Exactly, Brian.
33:36Find the worst free throw shooter immediately.
33:48Out for three.
33:50Buries it.
33:51And that shot brings them within just one.
33:54Perfect screen there.
33:55Set her up with a terrific look.
33:58Yeah, but that's a bad job by the defender to not fight through that screen to contest.
34:02You want to see more effort there.
34:04And the aces call time here.
34:22And it's the aces with the ball.
34:24And there's the intentional foul.
34:26No choice but to stop the clock here.
34:39So the first one drops, and that will put them up two.
34:49So she goes two for two at the line.
34:51And it's a three-point game.
34:53That last free throw was critical.
34:56Their only choice now is to go for the three to tie.
34:59She's been their best rebounder today, no doubt.
35:01Well, the numbers back that up, too.
35:04I mean, she brought her lunch mail with her today, and she has gone to work.
35:08So it's the aces taking the W in a close game.
35:13What a show they put on here at home tonight.
35:15These are those games that are so great to win and so hard to lose.
35:19I love being on the edge of my seat, just wondering what would happen next.
35:25So that's going to do it for this one, folks.
35:50I love being on the edge of my seat, and I love being on the edge of my seat.
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