PHOENIX (Interstat) — The Las Vegas Aces defeated the Minnesota Lynx 100-97 on Saturday night at Mortgage Matchup Center, spoiling a 29-point performance from Lynx guard Olivia Miles. Las Vegas built a 32-21 lead in the first quarter behind three early 3-pointers from Chelsea Gray, who finished with 23 points and seven assists. Minnesota answered with a 30-point second quarter, trimming the deficit to 57-51 at halftime. Natasha Howard led the Lynx with 22 points and nine rebounds, while Courtney Williams added 17 points and Kayla McBride scored 19. A’ja Wilson powered the Aces with 24 points and 10 rebounds to go with three blocks. Jackie Young recorded a double-double with 16 points and 10 assists, and NaLyssa Smith contributed 15 points and six rebounds. Jewell Loyd sank three free throws with 44.3 seconds left to help Vegas hold on. Miles scored 11 points in the fourth quarter, including a step-back 3-pointer with 24.5 seconds remaining that cut the deficit to one. But Wilson answered with two free throws, and Gray sealed the victory with a pair from the line with 3.5 seconds left. Attendance was 10,330. Both teams moved to 10-3.

PHOENIX (Interstat) — Jewell Loyd sank three free throws with 44.3 seconds remaining to give Las Vegas the lead for good, and the Aces held on for a 100-97 victory over the Minnesota Lynx on Saturday night at Mortgage Matchup Center in front of 10,330 fans. The Aces improved to 10-3. The Lynx also fell to 10-3. Las Vegas jumped out to a 32-21 lead in the first quarter, fueled by sharp shooting from Chelsea Gray. Gray connected on three 3-pointers in the opening period, including a 28-foot step-back jumper with 7:04 remaining that pushed the Aces ahead early. Gray finished with multiple assists and key playmaking throughout the half. Minnesota answered in the second quarter, outscoring the Aces 30-25 to trim the deficit. Natasha Howard scored inside and converted an and-one opportunity with 2:48 left before halftime. Howard made a layup and the subsequent free throw to pull the Lynx closer. Kayla McBride added a 3-pointer with 2:26 remaining in the quarter off an assist from Howard. Olivia Miles scored on a driving layup with 36.2 seconds left, then drilled a step-back 3-pointer at the buzzer to cut the Las Vegas lead to 57-51 at halftime. The Aces regained control in the third quarter behind balanced scoring. A’ja Wilson buried a 3-pointer from the top of the key with 7:52 remaining to extend the lead. Jackie Young scored on a driving layup and converted a free throw on the next possession. Young went 2 for 2 from the line with 46.5 seconds left in the quarter, helping Las Vegas take a 78-71 lead into the final period. Minnesota stormed back in the fourth quarter. The Lynx opened the period with a layup from Howard off a steal, but Jewell Loyd answered with back-to-back 3-pointers for Las Vegas. Liatu King made two free throws and a baseline jumper to keep the Lynx within striking distance. Olivia Miles took over down the stretch, scoring on a step-back jumper with 5:43 remaining and converting a layup with 2:23 left. Miles made a 3-pointer with 24.5 seconds remaining to tie the game at 97-97. Las Vegas responded in the final seconds. Loyd drew a shooting foul on a 3-point attempt with 44.3 seconds left and made all three free throws, putting the Aces ahead 100-97. Miles attempted a game-tying 3-pointer from the top of the key with 7 seconds left, but the shot bounced off the rim. Chelsea Gray grabbed the rebound, was fouled with 3.5 seconds left, and made two free throws to seal the victory. A desperation heave from Courtney Williams from beyond halfcourt at the buzzer missed. Gray scored 19 points and dished out numerous assists in a complete floor game. Wilson recorded a double-double with 22 points and 12 rebounds, blocking three shots and altering several others. Young added 16 points and five assists. Loyd finished with 12 points, including the three clutch free throws. For Minnesota, Howard led the way with 24 points and nine rebounds. Miles scored 22 points and handed out six assists. McBride added 15 points, and Courtney Williams contributed 14 points and four assists. The Lynx had won four straight games entering Saturday, including a 100-76 victory over Dallas on Tuesday and an 88-68 win over Seattle on June 6. Las Vegas had won three straight, including a 105-89 victory at Portland on Thursday and a 101-91 win over Seattle on June 8. Both teams return to action Monday. Minnesota hosts Portland. Las Vegas visits Dallas. Interstat’s game simulator projected a final score of Las Vegas 95, Minnesota 82. Interstat’s ELO system gave the Aces a 67.50 percent probability of winning. Las Vegas was installed as a pregame favorite with a spread of minus 3.5 points. The total score of 197 went over the over-under line of 173.5.

PHOENIX (Interstat) — Two of the WNBA’s top teams meet Saturday when the Minnesota Lynx visit the Las Vegas Aces in a neutral-site game at Mortgage Matchup Center. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. local time. The Lynx (10-2) hold the league’s best record, while the Aces (8-3) sit close behind in the standings. Minnesota has won nine consecutive games since a season-opening loss to Chicago on May 17. Las Vegas has won four straight. Minnesota guard Olivia Miles has been exceptional during the Lynx’s win streak. The rookie averaged 20.6 points, 6.0 rebounds and 6.8 assists over her last five games entering Saturday. She posted 24 points, seven rebounds and six assists in Tuesday’s 100-76 win over Dallas. Las Vegas counters with two-time MVP A’ja Wilson, who is averaging 28.1 points and 10.9 rebounds this season. Wilson recorded 34 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists in Monday’s 101-91 victory against Seattle. She has scored at least 20 points in every game this season. The game features a compelling matchup between two of the league’s most efficient offenses. Minnesota averages 92.8 points per game, while Las Vegas scores 94.4. Forward Natasha Howard and guard Kayla McBride give the Lynx additional scoring punch. Howard scored 21 points in the win over Dallas, and McBride added 22. Las Vegas guard Jackie Young is averaging 22.1 points and has scored at least 20 in five of her last six games. Forward NaLyssa Smith posted 16 points and nine rebounds in Monday’s win. The Aces are 4-1 at neutral sites this season. Minnesota is 5-1 on the road. Interstat’s game simulator projects a 95-82 Las Vegas victory. The game is part of a brief two-game road trip for Minnesota, which visits Portland on Monday. Las Vegas plays at Dallas on Monday. Both teams are healthy entering the contest, with no players listed on the injury report. The Lynx will seek to extend their winning streak against a Las Vegas team that has won seven of its last 10 against Minnesota. The teams split two meetings last season, each winning on its home floor. Saturday’s game will be broadcast nationally on ESPN.