Admittedly fatigued as she battled through an illness that sidelined her just days prior, Jackie Young described her status against the Phoenix Mercury to be at “less than 100 percent.” Yet, in digging deep with a champion-like resiliency, the All-Star guard’s efficiency in must-score environments could’ve been deemed anything but. Introducing one of their playbook’s unguardable sets with a two-point lead in the final six minutes, Young’s Aces put Phoenix through a nightmare, incorporating each of their three newly-named Paris Olympians into one design, starting with a handoff-screen combination that sets Young adrift with speed. Intuitive in her move with Natasha Cloud attached behind and Brittney Griner’s 6-foot-9 frame shielding the rim, Young smoothly sidesteps into a midrange bucket, fueling a new career-high. The avalanche began in the second period, as the Las Vegas Aces — led by Young’s 21-point quarter — connected on a WNBA-record 10-of-10 from deep, supercharging a 16-point comeback. “The Silent Assassin” was loud offensively on June 13, 2024, recording 34 points, eight boards, four assists, one steal, and seven triples, joining her teammate to create just WNBA history’s second-ever occurrence with two teammates scoring 32+ in a regulation finish. · Jun 14, 2024