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.
-
Liberty and Aces chase history in Commissioner's Cup final
The New York Liberty or Las Vegas Aces will make history on Tuesday in the Commissioner’s Cup championship as the winner will become the first franchise to win the in-season tournament twice.
Aces' Chelsea Gray building Hall of Fame resume by reaching a major milestone
Chelsea Gray has been building a Hall of Fame resume, and she took a significant step toward that Thursday night by placing herself in a select group of players.
Aces surge past Valkyries 92-73 as Jackie Young shines in a 21-2 run
Jackie Young scored 21 points and A'Ja Wilson added 19 points and nine rebounds to help the Las Vegas Aces cruise to a 92-73 victory over the Golden State Valkyries on Sunday.
Las Vegas Aces MVP A'ja Wilson latest Wheaties athlete
Wilson has become one of the most dominant athletes of this era in her eight seasons in the WNBA, racking up three championships, four MVP honors, three defensive player of the year awards and more.
