Las Vegas Aces’ Jackie Young made history on Sunday as she set a WNBA Finals record with 21 points in the third quarter, leading her team to a 91-78 victory over the Phoenix Mercury. With this win, the Aces now hold a 2-0 lead in the best-of-five series.
Young’s performance was nothing short of spectacular as she finished the game with a career-high 32 points, carrying her team to a dominant win. The 24-year-old guard was on fire from the start, scoring 11 points in the first quarter and adding another 10 in the second. But it was her third quarter explosion that left everyone in awe.
As the Aces entered the third quarter with a slim 44-42 lead, Young took over the game. She was unstoppable, scoring 21 points in just 10 minutes and leading her team to a 73-60 lead heading into the final quarter. Her impressive display of skill and determination left the Mercury struggling to keep up.
Young’s record-breaking performance not only helped the Aces secure a crucial win, but it also showcased her growth and potential as a player. Drafted first overall in 2019, Young has had a solid career so far, but this game proved that she is capable of reaching new heights and becoming a true superstar in the league.
Her teammates were quick to praise her after the game, with A’ja Wilson, who finished with 18 points, saying, “Jackie was on another level tonight. She carried us and we fed off her energy. She’s a special player and we’re lucky to have her on our team.”
Young’s coach, Bill Laimbeer, also had high praise for her, stating, “Jackie was phenomenal tonight. She’s been working hard all season and it’s great to see her have a breakout game on the biggest stage. She’s a big part of our success and we’re excited to see her continue to grow.”
But Young’s record-breaking performance was not the only highlight of the game for the Aces. The team as a whole played exceptionally well, with all five starters scoring in double figures. Angel McCoughtry added 16 points, while Danielle Robinson and Dearica Hamby chipped in with 12 and 10 points respectively.
On the other hand, the Mercury struggled to find their rhythm and were unable to keep up with the Aces’ high-powered offense. Diana Taurasi, who finished with 28 points, was the only player to score in double figures for the Mercury.
With this win, the Aces have put themselves in a great position to win their first WNBA championship. But they know that the job is far from done and they will have to stay focused and determined to close out the series.
As for Young, her record-breaking performance has cemented her place in WNBA history and has shown that she is a force to be reckoned with. Her performance has also inspired young girls and aspiring basketball players to dream big and work hard to achieve their goals.
The Aces will look to continue their dominant run in Game 3 on Tuesday, where they will have the opportunity to close out the series and bring home the championship. And with Jackie Young leading the way, there is no doubt that the Aces will give it their all to make that dream a reality.
