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Wilson has scored more than 40 points in two of
the past three games, including 41 in a 97-79 victory in Phoenix
on Sunday. That gave Las Vegas consecutive victories for the
first time since returning from the Olympic break. Wilson scored
a season-high 42 points in a loss to Dallas five days earlier.
But it has been the defense that has most pleased head coach
Becky Hammon as the Aces, who defeated visiting Atlanta 83-72 on
Friday, have moved into sole possession of fourth place, one
game ahead of the Seattle Storm.
"That's two really good defensive efforts in a row for us,"
Hammon said. "That's really what we're looking for -- that
consistent effort on the defensive end because we know that
defense is the one thing that can always travel with you. It's
something I've really challenged them on.
"They're really digging in at the end of the day and playing
that end of the floor. We know what the deal is. Our defense has
to give us a chance to win games, and I think they've been
really good at locking in possession by possession these last
two games."
Las Vegas has clinched a playoff berth and is focused on
improving its seeding while Chicago is battling to get the final
playoff spot after losing six straight games. The Sky are in
eighth place and have the same record as Atlanta entering
Tuesday, but lead the season series 2-1.
"We're still in (the playoffs)," Sky coach Teresa Weatherspoon
said after a 79-74 loss at Minnesota on Sunday. "We still got to
believe that we can make it, that we can do the right things to
keep our heads above water. We want to be in the playoffs, and
there's things we have to do to get there."
Chicago has played the past three games without leading scorer
Chennedy Carter, who is in health and safety protocols. Her
status for the game Tuesday is undetermined.
In her absence, rookies Kamilla Cardoso and Angel Reese have
continued to lead the way. Cardoso had a career-high 22 points
along with nine rebounds against Minnesota. Reese broke Sylvia
Fowles' WNBA single-season rebounding record.
--Field Level Media [© 2024 Thomson Reuters. All rights
reserved.]
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