LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — The Las Vegas Aces lost to New York 111-71 on Sunday, but fans who gathered at Palms Casino and Resort for Channel 13's first watch party found reasons to celebrate anyway.
WATCH | Alex Eschelman and Olivia Horton talked with fans to get their reactions:
A'ja Wilson, Jackie Young, and Chelsea Gray all sat out after playing in Minnesota on Saturday.
"We know that our starters are out today, so we're loving to watch our bench play," one fan said.
The back-to-back scheduling drew criticism from fans in attendance.
"The scheduling format, what was it, three games in like three, four days? We have to change that a little bit," a fan said.
Head coach Becky Hammon made clear that player health remains the top priority.
With the playoffs approaching, fans say the rest is well-timed.
"They need it because playoffs are coming up soon and we'll need them for playoffs," a fan said.
Sunday's game also gave the Aces' bench a chance to shine. Ta'Niya Latson put up 20 points and Mai Yamamoto recorded 16.
"Hopefully it'll give them the confidence, so when we get to the playoffs everybody is going to play great," a fan said.
The watch party drew Aces fans from across the valley, with prizes adding to the excitement.
"It feels amazing," one prize winner said.
"Love the pool, love being outside, and we get to watch our Aces," another fan said.
The next Channel 13 watch party is scheduled for Aug. 23.
This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
-
Valkyries secure WNBA Finals spot with OT win over the Aces, face the Dream next
Kayla Thornton scored 18 points and the second-year Valkyries became the quickest expansion team to reach the WNBA Finals, sweeping the defending champion Aces 87-77 in overtime Friday night.
[PRESS CONFERENCE] A'ja Wilson speaks after winning WNBA record 5th MVP award
A'ja Wilson's adds to her extensive accolades with a new WNBA record fifth MVP award. The Las Vegas Aces star discusses her journey and what this trophy means to her.
A'ja Wilson wins her third straight WNBA MVP and record fifth overall
A’ja Wilson has won the WNBA MVP for a third straight year and record fifth time overall
Aces face 0-2 series deficit after dropping Game 2 to Valkyries
The Golden State Valkyries held off the Las Vegas Aces 83-81 on Wednesday night for a 2-0 lead in the best-of-five WNBA semifinal series.
