Jackie Young’s career-best performance anchors Aces’ rout of Storm

Las Vegas Aces guard Jackie Young translated her international success into a domestic career-best performance, scoring 35 points to lead her team to a 114-77 victory over the Seattle Storm at Climate Pledge Arena. Young, who was named the best player at the FIBA World Cup in Berlin, recorded 22 points in the first quarter alone, a period in which the Storm managed just 13 points.

The performance underscores Young’s status as a primary offensive option for the Aces, particularly as the WNBA playoffs approach in just over a week. She added five assists to her scoring total, maintaining a level of dominance that was evident throughout the tournament in Europe, where she was the only American to hit double-digit points in every game.

Teammate A’ja Wilson continued her pursuit of an unprecedented fifth MVP award, contributing 29 points, five assists, seven rebounds, and two blocks. Wilson’s all-around effort was critical in the paint, a position where the Aces are currently navigating roster changes after NaLyssa Smith was confirmed out for the year.

Chelsea Gray provided essential playmaking support, recording a team-high six assists and nine rebounds. Although she scored only five points, her activity on the floor helped sustain the Aces’ offensive rhythm, with her rebounding total tying for the game-high mark alongside Storm centre Awa Fam.

The match also served as the official debut for Kalani Brown, a former Phoenix Mercury centre. Brown made the most of her extended minutes, scoring 10 points off the bench to tie the team’s record for most points from that position, while also recording three rebounds and a steal.

With the Aces aiming for their fifth consecutive win, the Storm will look to respond when the teams meet again on Sunday at Michelob ULTRA Arena to conclude the home-and-home series.