Aces’ Kelsey Plum calls out referees after difficult loss vs. Lynx

The Minnesota Lynx defeated the Las Vegas Aces 98-87 on Wednesday night. Minnesota now holds a two and a half game lead over Las Vegas, as the Aces fell to third place in the Western Conference with the defeat. The Lynx are two games ahead of the second place Seattle Storm. Kelsey Plum had a message for the officials after Wednesday’s game, via the Las Vegas Aces.

“It’s so interesting to me, I’m probably going to get fined but… I don’t feel it’s consistent,” Plum told reporters. “I don’t feel that it’s consistent, the way they call the game. I don’t feel it’s consistent… And when I say consistent I’m talking about the officiating.”

Plum made sure to add that the Lynx “made” the Aces “pay” and that Minnesota was the “better” team on Wednesday. The Aces star wasn’t trying to use her officiating criticism as an excuse, rather, it was seemingly something she just wanted to say amid the Aces’ frustration.

Are the Aces in trouble?

The Aces are just 1-2 since the Olympic break came to an end. Las Vegas was defeated by the New York Liberty in a potential WNBA Finals preview in their first game back following the break. The Aces were able to bounce back with a victory over the Los Angeles Sparks before losing against the Lynx on Wednesday.

It is worth noting that the Aces sent six players to the Olympics. Las Vegas is trying to return to form, but that has been a challenge since six players did not receive much of a break. Nevertheless, the Aces are the defending champions and counting them out is a risky thing to do.

So are the Aces in trouble? The Lynx and Storm are certainly going to present the Aces with a challenge in the conference. Las Vegas’ postseason experience and understanding of how to win in big moments will help them, though. The Aces are not in an ideal position at the moment, but it would not be surprising to see them get back on track sooner rather than later.