Las Vegas Aces Win Preseason Game Against Japan National Team

Apr 27, 2026, 03:26

Introduction

On April 26, 2026, the Las Vegas Aces beat the Japan national team with a final score of 94-78 in a WNBA preseason game at the Michelob ULTRA Arena.

Main Body

The Aces won the game mainly by using their physical strength and strong interior defense. Even though A’ja Wilson missed the game due to an injury, the team managed nine steals and several blocked shots, with NaLyssa Smith and Brianna Turner each recording three blocks. Head coach Becky Hammon emphasized that the team's size and disciplined defense near the basket were key to their success, although she admitted that the Japanese players were harder to stop on the perimeter. On the offensive side, Chennedy Carter led the team with 18 points in her first appearance for the franchise since 2024. She was supported by Jackie Young and Chelsea Gray, who scored 17 and 16 points respectively. Other contributors included Kierstan Bell with 14 points and Jewell Loyd with 13, while NaLyssa Smith recorded a double-double with 11 points and 13 rebounds. Carter claimed that her strategy was to use her athleticism to find gaps in the opposing team's defense. Integrating new players was a major goal for the game. Stephanie Talbot started instead of Wilson and played over 22 minutes, while Brianna Turner and Chennedy Carter also made their debuts. Coach Hammon described Talbot as a helpful player who brings balance to the team's offense. Despite a slow start and 12 turnovers, the Aces overcame Japan's strong three-point shooting and Mai Yamamoto's 24 points to secure a comfortable victory in the second half.

Conclusion

The Las Vegas Aces will finish their preseason training with a game against the Dallas Wings in Austin on May 3. Coach Hammon stated that she plans to use this final game to test different player combinations.

Vocabulary Learning

athleticism (n.)

physical ability and skill used in sports運動天賦

Example:His athleticism impressed the coach during the preseason game.

balance (n.)

a state of equilibrium or fair distribution平衡

Example:She provides balance to the team's offense by creating space.

interior (n.)

the inner part of a place; the area near the basket in basketball內線

Example:The Aces relied on their interior defense to stop opponents' drives.

perimeter (n.)

the outer area of the basketball court where players shoot from distance外線

Example:Defenders struggled to guard the perimeter shooters.

strategy (n.)

a plan of action to achieve a goal策略

Example:Her strategy involved quick passes to create scoring chances.

Sentence Learning

She was supported by Jackie Young and Chelsea Gray, who scored 17 and 16 points respectively.

Relative Clause: This clause provides additional information about the players, specifying what they achieved.關係子句: 此子句提供關於球員的額外資訊，說明他們取得的得分。

Even though A’ja Wilson missed the game due to an injury, the team managed nine steals and several blocked shots, with NaLyssa Smith and Brianna Turner each recording three blocks.

Linking Word (Even though): This conjunction introduces a contrast, showing that despite Wilson’s absence, the team performed well.連接詞 (Even though): 這個連接詞引入對比，說明儘管 Wilson 缺陣，球隊仍表現良好。

Despite a slow start and 12 turnovers, the Aces overcame Japan's strong three-point shooting and Mai Yamamoto's 24 points to secure a comfortable victory in the second half.

Linking Word (Despite): This conjunction presents a contrast, indicating that even with difficulties, the Aces succeeded.連接詞 (Despite): 這個連接詞呈現對比，指出儘管遇到困難，Aces 仍取得勝利。

Carter claimed that her strategy was to use her athleticism to find gaps in the opposing team's defense.

Noun Clause: The clause 'that her strategy was...' functions as the object of 'claimed', explaining what Carter said.名詞子句: 子句 'that her strategy was…' 作為動詞 'claimed' 的賓語，說明 Carter 的說法。