Las Vegas Aces guard Jackie Young (0) takes a lay up against the Portland Fire’s guard Carla Leite (0) in the first half at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas on Tue Jul 28, 2026 (AP News photo)

By Rich Perez

The Las Vegas Aces (19-8) were looking for a fast start in the first quarter of their matchup with the Portland Fire (11-17) Tuesday night at Michelob ULTRA Arena and what they got was a lighning start leading after the first ten minutes of play 36-21.

They would be looking to extend that lead in the second quarter and take a sizeable lead into the half, a lead that could turn out to be unsurmountable. After leading by as much as 17 points in the first quarter they did not get the enormous lead at the half that they were looking for but they did take a good size lead into the locker room at the half 53-37.

The Fire had rallied in the second quarter but the Aces held steady going into the third quarter. Although the Aces have struggled in the fourth quarter of games they held on in this one for a 98-83 win.

They had led for most of the game. It was the first quarter that decided the winner of this game. For three quarters, the Fire played a really competitive game. They matched the Aces shot for shot with each team scoring 62 points in the final three quarters.

GAME RECAP

The Las Vegas Aces had a great start in their matchup with the Portland Fire taking a 36-21 lead after the first quarter came to an end. Las Vegas played with good offensive pace and got quality looks early. They got efficient scoring from their starters and strong guard play. They forced Portland into some difficult shots with some solid defense.

The Aces had led by as much as 17 points in the opening quarter but the Fire began to flip the script as the second quarter got underway. Portland cut the Las Vegas lead to six points mid-way through the quarter prompting a timeout.

The Fire continued to threaten the Las Vegas lead refusing to back down playing a much more competitive quarter than their opener. As the first half came to an end the Aces had pushed their lead back out to sixteen 53-37.

Despite the rally that the Fire forged in the second quarter the Aces did continue to control the pace of the game. They had hit seven shots from beyond the arc and they were a perfect 8 of 8 at the line. Each team had seven turnovers and Las Vegas would be looking to clean that up in the second half. A’Ja Wilson finished the half with 14 points, Chelsea Gray and Jackie Young each had 13 points. The only Portland players in double digits was Megan Dileo with ten points.

The Aces outscored Portland in the third quarter 27-26 keeping their double digit lead intact going into the fourth quarter. They were holding onto a 79-64 advantage.

The fourth quarter of recent games have proven to be low-scoring for the Aces this season compared to the first three quarters of their games. It has been the fourth quarter that has determined the outcome in games for Las Vegas at times.

Mid-way through the final quarter, the Aces continued to hang onto a sixteen point lead. 89-73. As the clock continued to wind down Las Vegas stubbornly hung onto their double digit lead. The final was 98-83.

GAME NOTES

This game was largely determined in the opening quarter. The Aces jumped on Portland early and controlled the game with their defense and star power. Las Vegas created a lead in the first quarter that the Fire never fully recovered from.

A’Ja Wilson set the tone being a major factor inside giving Portland problems with scoring and rebounding. It was not only WIlson that racked up the points with Jackie Young and others keeping the Fire from making a comeback. Portland’s slow start really hurt them and the Aces took full advantage.

A’Ja Wilson had the game high a double double with 28 points and 14 rebounds. Jackie Young was also on fire finishing with 25 points. Chelsea Gray chipped in 17 points and Jewell Loyd had 11 points off the bench.

The team high for the Fire was Megan Dileo with 20 points. Portland had a number of players finishing with double digits, Bridget Carleton had 13, and Carla Leite with 11 points. Off the bench Frieda Buhner was outstanding finishing with 16 points.

Las Vegas is now in second place in the standings tied with the Golden State Valkyries 2.5 games behind the Lynx. Thursday night the Aces will take on the New York Liberty at home. Tipoff for this game is scheduled for 7:00 PM as they fight to retain their place near the top of the standings.