Aces take top spot in Western Conference with 1st win on road against Minnesota

The Las Vegas Aces (4-1) prevailed in their first road test of the season, defeating the Minnesota Lynx (4-2), 80-66, to take the top spot in the Western Conference on Wednesday in Minneapolis.

A'ja Wilson posted her fifth straight double-double, recording 29 points and 15 rebounds. The Aces are only five games into the season, but the single-season record for double-doubles is 24 by Connecticut Sun forward Alyssa Thomas.

Thomas set the record last season, and Wilson came within just two double-doubles of Thomas, finishing with 22.

"We're going out there playing our behinds off," Wilson said. "When it comes to being competitive and wanting to be the best, legendary Hall of Famer, that target [on your back] gets bigger but that's when you shine the brightest. I love it."

Jackie Young recorded her second double-double of the season, posting 19 points and 10 assists. She has now posted at least 19 points in every game this season and is averaging 22.5 points and 7.8 assists.

Rookie Kate Martin neared double-scoring figures, downing nine points and shooting 50% (3-of-6) from 3-point range.

Aces coach Becky Hammon praised Martin's ability to come off the bench and contribute, noting her experience in playing with Caitlin Clark in college at Iowa as a plus in adjusting to the WNBA game.

"She's been solid and impacted the games. I've never called one play for Kate [Martin]," Hammon said. "Clearly we know she [Martin] knows how to play with superstars. That's a skill set...Having those pieces, they're glue pieces and they're pieces that help you win games."

As a team, Las Vegas shot for 41% (30-of-72) from the field and 37% (10-of-27) from 3-point range.

It also didn't let Minnesota hold a lead of more than one point the entire game. The Lynx shot for a low 36% (24-of-65) from the field.

Both Hammon and Wilson agreed that the Aces are beginning to find their defensive identity, stringing together two strong defensive showings after losing to Phoenix on May 21.

"That's two games in a row where I've felt good about our overall defensive effort," Hammon said. "I'm starting to recognize us a little bit on the defensive end. Tonight, we had all parts clicking and defensively, we made their life rough."

The Aces continue their road trip to Atlanta on Friday (ION), taking on the Dream at 4:30 p.m. PST.