The Las Vegas Aces lost to the Minnesota Lynx in a tight contest, 92-87. Making matters worse for the reigning WNBA champions, one of their players was called for a violation that puts her in line to pay a $500 fine.
A'ja Wilson recorded 32 points, seven rebounds, one assist, two steals and one block. Unfortunately, the Aces couldn't counter the Lynx's balanced offense, led by Olivia Miles who had 23 points.
Five other players scored in double figures for the Lynx. Minnesota's starters also outscored Las Vegas' starters, 80-17.
Stephanie Talbot scored just two points as a starter for the Aces, making just one of her three shot attempts in 10 minutes of action. She was also called for a Flagrant 1 foul in the game.
Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
Talbot contested Kayla McBride's 3-pointer with 7:50 remaining in the third quarter. However, she failed to give enough landing space to the Lynx guard, prompting the referees to assess her a Flagrant 1 foul. Talbot's action was considered a reckless closeout, hence the call.
According to the WNBA's rules, each flagrant point is punishable by a $500 fine. A Flagrant 1 foul accounts for one flagrant point, while a Flagrant 2 foul accounts for two flagrant points. Moreover, once a player reaches four flagrant points, they are automatically suspended for one game.
A player also receives a two-game suspension when they commit a Flagrant 2 foul while having already accumulated three flagrant points.
It's Talbot's first Flagrant 1 foul of the season, so it doesn't look like she needs to worry about reaching the flagrant-point limit. Still, she will certainly need to be careful about dangerous closeouts since WNBA referees have been calling them Flagrant 1 fouls all season long.
