Aces dominate Storm in opener of first-round WNBA playoffs series

The Aces began the WNBA playoffs with a decisive 102-77 victory over the Seattle Storm in Game 1 of their best-of-three first-round series on Sunday night at Michelob Ultra Arena.

Reigning MVP A’ja Wilson led the second-seeded Aces with 29 points, extending the team's franchise-record win streak to 17 games. Jackie Young contributed 18 points and seven assists, while Jewell Loyd added 14 points off the bench against her former team. For the seventh-seeded Storm, Gabby Williams was the top scorer with 16 points.

Game 2 of the series is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle. This playoff matchup features Jewell Loyd competing against her former team and follows a new series format this season.

The Aces entered the postseason on a strong note, with Wilson emerging as a favorite for MVP after helping the team win 15 straight games during the regular season. The team appears well-positioned to contend for another championship under coach Becky Hammon.