Aces' celebration capped by rout of visiting Sparks

LAS VEGAS >> While the Vegas Golden Knights were playing an important game less than 2 miles down Frank Sinatra Drive at TMobile Arena, the Las Vegas Aces were throwing their own house party at Michelob Ultra Arena.

A sellout crowd of 10,191 cheered as the Aces received their championship rings from owner Mark Davis, continued to emit electricity as the team's new game introduction played on the video board, and roared endlessly as Las Vegas dismantled the Sparks, 93-65, on Saturday night.

“It's a great environment,” WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said. “To sell out the home opener here for the ring

ACES 93, SPARKS 65 Up next: Sparks at Mercury, Friday, 7p.m., ION

ceremony is great, especially when the Knights are playing down the road. That's pretty outstanding that they sold out tonight. So we love the fan base here and we love Vegas.”

A'ja Wilson had 23 points and six rebounds to lead the Aces, who led 31-13 after the first quarter and 59-28 at halftime. Kelsey Plum and Jackie Young added 19 and 16 points, respectively.

For the Sparks, it was Nneka Ogwumike leading the way with 16 points, while Karlie Samuelson chipped in with 13.

The game was merely a sideshow, though, as the night seemingly belonged to the fans who were there to see the unveiling of the championship banner hanging next to Aces coach Becky Hammon's retired jersey, the players receive their championship rings and the entertainment throughout the night.

Now with the Sparks, after an offseason trade, Dearica Hamby was the first player from last year's championship squad to receive her ring.

“Obviously a moment that I know I should probably be proud of and embrace,” Hamby said before the game. “I mean, me getting a ring is special, but I'm going to do it for the fans.”

And the fans reciprocated with an exuberant response as she and Davis embraced at midcourt.