Las Vegas Aces Reach 500th Franchise Win Despite Missing Key Players
拉斯維加斯 Aces 在缺少關鍵球員的情況下，達成隊史 500 勝里程碑
Introduction
The Las Vegas Aces secured a 98-90 overtime victory against the Chicago Sky on July 3, 2026, marking the 500th win in the history of the franchise.
拉斯維加斯 Aces 於 2026 年 7 月 3 日在延長賽中以 98-90 擊敗芝加哥 Sky，標誌著該隊史上的第 500 場勝利。
Main Body
The game was played without forward A’ja Wilson, who was out with an ankle injury. Because of her absence, NaLyssa Smith took on a leading role in the offense, scoring a season-high 29 points and grabbing eight rebounds. Head coach Becky Hammon emphasized that Smith had to work harder physically and be more aware of her positioning to beat the Sky's defenders. Furthermore, Chelsea Gray contributed 18 points, including several important baskets in the final minute of overtime, while Jewell Loyd scored 19 points and reached a milestone of 700 career three-pointers.
本場比賽在前鋒 A’ja Wilson 因腳踝受傷缺陣的情況下進行。由於她的缺席，NaLyssa Smith 在進攻端承擔起領導角色，攻下本季最高的 29 分並搶下 8 個籃板。總教練 Becky Hammon 強調，Smith 必須在體能上更加努力，並提高對自身位置的意識，才能擊敗 Sky 的防守球員。此外，Chelsea Gray 貢獻 18 分，包括在延長賽最後一分鐘投進數個關鍵球，而 Jewell Loyd 則拿下 19 分，並達成職業生涯 700 次三分球的里程碑。
This victory makes the Aces only the fourth franchise in WNBA history to reach 500 wins. Coach Hammon attributed this success to the growth of the organization, which began as the Utah Starzz and San Antonio Silver Stars before moving to Las Vegas. Although the Aces led early on, they fell behind in the fourth quarter as the Sky took advantage of defensive mistakes. However, the Aces used their experience and teamwork to secure the win during overtime.
這次勝利使 Aces 成為 WNBA 歷史上僅有的第四支達成 500 勝的球隊。教練 Hammon 將此成功歸功於組織的成長，該球隊最初為 Utah Starzz 和 San Antonio Silver Stars，隨後才遷至拉斯維加斯。雖然 Aces 在早段領先，但第四節因防守失誤被 Sky 乘虛而入而陷入落後。然而，Aces 利用經驗與團隊合作，在延長賽中鎖定勝局。
At the same time, the league is handling several promotional updates. A’ja Wilson recently won the BET Sportswoman of the Year award and was named a starter for the 2026 All-Star Game on July 25. Additionally, Chelsea Gray has started a new professional partnership with Prime Video, where she will provide technical analysis for the 'WNBA on Prime' studio shows.
與此同時，聯盟正在處理多項宣傳更新。A’ja Wilson 最近贏得 BET 年度最佳女運動員獎，並被選為 7 月 25 日 2026 年全明星賽的先發球員。此外，Chelsea Gray 已與 Prime Video 展開新的專業合作，她將在「WNBA on Prime」的演播室節目中提供技術分析。
Conclusion
The Las Vegas Aces currently have a 15-5 record and are scheduled to play the Indiana Fever on July 5, 2026.
拉斯維加斯 Aces 目前戰績為 15 勝 5 敗，預計將於 2026 年 7 月 5 日對陣印第安納 Fever。
Vocabulary Learning
🚀 The 'Connector' Jump: Moving from A2 to B2
At the A2 level, you usually use simple words like and, but, or because to join your ideas. To reach B2, you need to use Logical Transitions. These make your English sound professional and smooth, rather than like a list of short sentences.
🛠️ The Upgrade Path
Look at how the article connects ideas. Instead of basic words, it uses these "B2 Bridges":
| A2 Simple Word | B2 Professional Upgrade | Example from Text |
|---|---|---|
| Because | Because of [Noun] | "Because of her absence..." |
| Also | Furthermore / Additionally | "Furthermore, Chelsea Gray contributed..." |
| But | Although / However | "Although the Aces led... However, the Aces used..." |
💡 Pro Tip: The "Noun Phrase" Shift
Notice the difference:
- A2 Style: "She was absent, so NaLyssa Smith played more." (Simple sentence result)
- B2 Style: "Because of her absence, NaLyssa Smith took on a leading role."
By changing a whole sentence (She was absent) into a noun phrase (her absence), you create a more sophisticated structure. This is a hallmark of B2 fluency.
🔍 Spotting the Nuance
- Furthermore and Additionally are used to stack information. They tell the reader: "I have more evidence to give you."
- Although introduces a contrast at the start of a thought, while However usually marks a pivot after a full stop. Using both in a story shows you can control the flow of information.