Las Vegas Aces lock up No. 1 seed with win over Seattle Storm in season finale

The Las Vegas Aces wrapped their regular season on a satisfying note Sunday, handing a 109-100 defeat to the Seattle Storm in Sue Bird’s final WNBA regular-season game and locking up the No. 1 seed in the playoffs.

The Aces also won the Commissioner’s Cup for best regular-season record, ending at 26-10 and finishing with a four-game win streak that included an 89-78 win over defending WNBA champion Chicago on Thursday. But first-year Aces’ coach Becky Hammon has her eyes squarely focused on the post-season, which kicks off Wednesday in Las Vegas with a first-round three-game series vs. the eighth-seeded Phoenix Mercury.

“We took care of a regular season, but we didn’t come here to win the regular season,” Hammon told reporters after the game. “We want to win the playoffs and position ourselves to be able to do that. And, you know, things like (homecourt advantage) will definitely be advantageous for us for sure.”

A raucous crowd that included NBA players Chris Paul and Devin Booker was on hand to witness a career-high performance from Chelsea Gray, who poured in 33 points, seven rebounds and nine assists. Three other players scored in double digits, including Kelsey Plum, who had 23 points with seven of them coming in the final minute of the game. A’Ja Wilson added 25 points and 10 rebounds, while Riquna Williams scored 11 points.

“She’s locked in,” Wilson said about Gray. “When the head of our snake is locked in, it trickles down. We need her to make those big buckets. We know she’s capable of doing it, so I’m glad she was able to showcase in front of a great crowd to end the regular season.”

Hammon noted that she’s seen a turnaround in her team since the All-Star break, after which they’ve gone 11-3.

“I think (it’s)