Category: Las Vegas Aces

Aces Not Only Beat Mystics a Second TIme 83-76 But Also Secure Playoff Spot

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Las Vegas Aces Jackie Young (0) celebrates a shot during a WNBA basketball game against the Washington Mystics at Michelob ULTRA Arena on Thu Aug 13, 2026 (Las Vegas Review Journal photo)

By Rich Perez

It was another roller coaster game between the Las Vegas Aces (24-11) and the Wahington Mystics (19-14). The Mystics put up a fight winning the second and third quarters but it was the hot start for the Aces leading after the first quarter 25-16 and finishing the game off in the fourth quarter where they have struggled at times this season outscoring the Mystics 25-21 and winning this second game against Washington in so many days 83-76 Thursday at Michelob ULTRA Arena.

As this game wore on it became all too apparent that tonight belonged to Jackie Young. She had a season high 32 points. She had the hot hand and she was unstoppable. With this win Las Vegas now is assured a spot in the playoffs.

GAME RECAP

The Las Vegas Aces got the hot start they were looking in the opening quarter of tonight’s game taking a 25-16 lead. After beating the Mystics this past Tuesday Washington was looking for a little payback. Las Vegas shut that down with a game opening 14-2 run leading by nine points after the first ten minutes of play.

When it was all going the Aces way they stalled out missing their first eight shots of the second quarter letting Washington outscore them 16-13 in the quarter. The Aces still had the lead at the half but had let the Mystics make the score just a bit close after two quarters 38-32.

The Mystics went into the third quarter with a lot of energy again outscoring the Aces 23-20 and after three quarters only trailed by three points 58-55. It was a new ball game and Las Vegas would again have to separate themselves from Washington in the fourth quarter.

The Aces did separate themselves from the Mystics with a Jackie Young takeover. She scored 12 straight points for Las Vegas down the stretch fending off a Mystic push. She finished off some terrific offensive play with a three-pointer at around the four minute mark. She would finish the night with a season-high 32 points that not only won the game 83-76 but also secured a spot in the playoffs.

GAME RECAP

It went exactly how the Las Vegas Aces saw this rematch beating the Mystics for a second time 83-76. There is always that one player on this team that steps up and tonight Jackie Young led the surge with an incredible scoring performance and some clutch shooting.

She took over the game and there wasn’t a whole lot that Washington could do about it. The Mystics did a great job limiting scoring by A’Ja Wilson but in doing so left Young open to wreak havoc. Wilson finished with 15 points and 6 rebounds and Jewel Loyd shot for 13 points off the bench but it was the Jackie Young show for most of the night.

Las Vegas had a solid defensive game forcing 12 turnovers that resulted in 21 points for the Aces. They limited the Mystics to 24-of-59 shooting and their protection in the paint also contributed to this win. The interior presence of A’Ja Wilson alone was daunting for Washington.

The one thing that Las Vegas will be looking to clean up as far as tonight’s game goes will be some disappointing shooting in the second quarter. Other than the rough patch in the second quarter they played a great game feeding the ball to the player with the hot hand Thursday night. Wilson lured them into double coverage leaving Jackie Young open and she took full advantage.

The Aces will be back on the court this Saturday evening taking on the number one team in the WNBA the Minnesota Lynx at Michelob ULTRA Arena. Las Vegas will get a taste of this year’s playoffs as they take on the best of the best. After these last two games they appear to be ready to take on any challenge. Tipoff for this game is scheduled for 5:00 PM PDT.

Aces Shatter Mystics 7-Game Winning Streak With an 86-76 Victory

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Ace guard Chelsea Gray, right, drives the ball against Washington Mystics forward Michaela Onyenwere during a WNBA basketball game at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas on Tue Aug 11, 2026 (Las Vegas Review Journal)

By Rich Perez

The Washington Mystics (19-13) started strong in the first quarter of play but their 7-point lead was erased after an Aces (23-11) time-out that led to a 22-19 Las Vegas lead going into the second quarter.

The sixth place Mystics were giving the Aces all they could handle in the second quarter. When the first half came to an end this game was all tied up at 41. Las Vegas took their largest lead in the game 63-54 in the third quarter but the Mystic pushed back trailing by only three points going into the fourth quarter 60-63.

The Aces have been outscored in the fourth quarter far too many times this season and they need to turn that around as the season is rapidly winding down. With under four minutes left in the game Las Vegas had taken their largest lead of the game 75-65. The final was 86-76, the Aces breaking the Mystics seven game winning streak Tuesday night.

GAME RECAP

The Las Vegas Aces got a bit of a slow start in their game against the Washington Mystics with the Mystics taking as much as a seven point lead. Las Vegas called a time-out in the opening quarter and came back on the court with more fire taking a 22-19 lead going into the second quarter. Tuesday night unlike their last game against the New York Liberty A’Ja Wilson, Jackie Young and Chelsea Gray all took the floor after sitting the New York game out.

The second quarter was hotly contested with neither team able to distance themselves from their opponent. Every time the Aces took the lead, the Mystics answered and at the half this game was tied at 41. Getting past Washington despite playing at Michelob ULTRA Arena would be no easy task.

Jackie Young had scored 13 points in the first half but was the only Las Vegas player in double digits. Both A’Ja Wilson and Chelsea Gray were a basket away from double digits. The Aces were losing the rebound battle and the Mysetics were making the Aces work hard for every possesson.

Washington right now is one of the hottest defensive teams around looking to extend their seven game winning streak. The Mystics Shakira Austin has been playing some solid basketball and Washington was not at all intimidated by A’Ja Wilson. The Mystics did beat Las Vegas in July in a close game 100-99. If they continue to play loose and confidently in the second half they could present problems for Las Vegas.

The good new for the Aces is that they were not trailing after the first half and they have an entire half to make adjustments by getting Wilson more involved inside and tightening up the defense on Austin.

The Aces will be looking to take this first game of a two-game series. Las Vegas had five steals to the Mystics two in the opening half and Washington also had nine turnovers. The Aces were protecting the ball well only committing four turnovers. It promises to be a wild second half of basketball.

Five minutes into the third quarter both A’Ja Wilson and Chelsea Gray had double digits. The Aces continued to hold onto the lead but the Mystics were not going anywhere threatening to take the lead throughout the third quarter.

Coming out of a time-out, Las Vegas went on a crazy run taking a 63-54 lead, their largest of the game. The third quarter would come to an end with the Aces lead cut down to 63-60.

This game turned into to a crazy battle in the paint throughout the fourth quarter. Las Vegas would have to come up big in the final quarter after struggling in many fourth quarters this season.

The Aces again took a sizeable lead in the early minutes of the fourth 71-62 and halfway through the final quarter had a 75-65 lead. With one minute left in the game, the Aces had sealed the deal taking a 84-73 lead. The Mystics winning streak had come to an end losing to Las Vegas 86-76.

GAME NOTES

It was a huge game for both A’Ja Wilson and Jackie Young. Wilson finished the game with a double double 26 points and 13 rebounds. Young had 25 points and Nalyssa Smith also with a double double, 11 points and 11 rebounds. Las Vegas had a great fourth quarter outscoring the Mystics 23-16.

The Mystics put up a great fight through the first three quarters of the game. They had three players in double digits. Kiki Iriafen had a double double finishing with 15 points and 13 rebounds. The high for the Mystics was Shakira Austin with 20 points and eight rebounds.

It was the fourth quarter when the Aces finally separated themselves from Washington. The Mystics offense stalled in the fourth quarter and they let A’Ja Wilson take over late giving Las Vegas control finishing off Washington. Las Vegas defended much better in the closing minutes and very important, Las Vegas did not panic when the Mystics made runs.

These two teams will be back at it on Thursday when they will meet for a second time. The Mystics will be looking to even the series but after missing the New York game, it really looks like Wilson, Young and Gray are back and ready to finish off the season on a high note. Tipoff for Thurday’s game is scheduled for 7:00 PM.

Las Vegas Aces podcast Michael Roberson: Aces get crushed by Liberty; Vegas rests 3 key starters in loss

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Liberty guard Marine Johannes, center, scored a career-high 27 points Sunday against a depleted Las Vegas Aces lineup. John Jones / Imagn Images via Reuters Connect

Las Vegas Aces podcast Michael Roberson:

#1 Marine Johannes of the New York Liberty paved the way with 27 points, seven 3 pointers defeating the visiting Las Vegas Aces 111-71.

#2 The Aces head coach Becky Hammon rested three of her top starters A’ja Wilson, Chelsea Gray and Jackie Young.

#3 With Wilson, Gray and Young out of the line up the Aces were out their average 57 points per game.

#4 The Aces started Brianna Turner, Dana Evans, and Jewell Lloyd who just couldn’t get enough offense going to keep up with the Liberty. Turner, Evans, and Lloyd combined for eight points.

#5 Next up for the Aces the Washington Mystics on Tuesday night. Mystics are fifth in the WNBA at 19-12 and are on a seven game win streak. The Aces are 22-11, 4.5 games out of first and have played .500 ball in their last ten games going 5-5.

Michael Roberson is a WNBA podcast contributor at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Aces Get Past New York In a Wild Game With An Even Wilder Finish 104-99

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Las Vegas Aces guard Jackie Young (0) drives on the New York Liberty’s center Jonquel Jones (left) and guard Sabrina Ionescu (20) in the first half at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas on Thu Jul 30,2026 (AP News photo)

By Rich Perez

The Las Vegas Aces (20-8) took on the New York Liberty (16-13) in was a highly competitive game between the two rivals. The Aces got a grip on Liberty with a 104-99 win at Michelob ULTRA Arena.

The Aces came out on fire with Jackie Young leading the charge hitting 22 points in the first half.

They took a 52-44 lead into the half and would need more of the same in the third quarter. The Liberty made some needed adjustments in the second half still unable to take the lead but getting to within a single point.

When it got so very close, the Aces pushed back taking a 70-61 lead with 3:25 left in the third. With a lot of time left on the clock this game was still up for grabs. A’Ja Wilson came alive in the third quarter scoring 18 points finishing with 28 through three quarters giving Las Vegas a 79-71 lead going into the fourth.

The final quarter was a wild one with the Aces coming out on top 104-99. There were some key plays down the stretch for Las Vegas and a little bit of luck thrown in as well.

GAME RECAP

The Liberty got off to a great start in the early minutes of the first quarter but the Aces came roaring back with Jackie Young taking charge. After less than four minutes into the quarter Young was on a heater leading the comeback rally giving the Aces a 14-12 lead. She demonstrated her ability to hit three-point shots going 3 of 3.

As the opening quarter wore on this game was off the charts competitive with the lead changing back and forth throughout. After the first ten minutes of play Las Vegas was hanging onto a 27-26 lead.

Las Vegas continued to fight back in an effort to push out their lead in the second quarter. Jackie Young had an incredible quarter scoring 22 points in the first half. She was on fire and the Liberty were unable to extinguish that fire.

A’Ja Wilson also had double digits in the first half but it was Young who had the hot hand. At the half the Aces had created a 52-44 lead. It was Las Vegas who was dictating the pace taking more and more control of this game throughout the second quarter.

The Aces hit 8 shots from downtown in the first half while the Liberty only hit four. Las Vegas had put themselves in a strong position although an eight point lead is not a safe lead against a team with the likes of Breanna Steward and Sabrina Ionescu aboard. Second-chance points could swing this game in the second half.

New York could not afford to give the Aces extra possessions. If Steward and Ionescu really get going attacking the paint then the Aces would have to work a lot harder getting open shots and they cannot have any sort of breakdown. We will for sure see some major adjustments from the Liberty and how the Aces handle that could very well determine the winner of this game.

There were fireworks in the first half of this game and the third quarter displayed more fireworks. After the Aces had pushed their lead out to 54-44, the Liberty pushed back and two minutes into the quarter New York was trailing by only four points 58-54.

The Liberty had even more energy than in the first half and they were making a real push in a one-possession ball-game four minutes into the quarter. Las Vegas needed to regain the energy they had in the first half.

The Aces were in foul trouble with Chelsea Gray and Nalyssa Smith both with four personals. A’Ja Wilson had hit 18 points in the quarter with 30 seconds left in the clock. Going into the fourth quarter Las Vegas had a 79-71 lead and they would need to continue to elevate their play to finish off this game.

The Aces started off the fourth quarter stripping the ball from Breanna Stewart and the race was on. After taking a ten-point lead the Liberty cut the Aces lead in half. They were not going down without a fight.

Despite getting close the Liberty had still been unable to take the lead although threatening throughout the fourth quarter. Both teams were coming away with empty possessions with 3:36 remaining in the game.

Las Vegas was still clinging to a 92-87 lead. It was crunch time in the final two minutes of the game with Las Vegas taking a 98-93 lead with 55 ticks left on the clock. Chelsea Gray fouled out with 20 seconds left in the game giving Ionescu a couple of free throws.

She made both but the Aces got a huge break when the officials missed a call that would have given the Liberty the ball trailing by 3 points with ample time to tie up this game. Las Vegas went on to win the game 104-99.

GAME NOTES

It was a wild game for Las Vegas. Both teams played their hearts out this game going down to the wire. An unfortunate break late in the fourth quarter for New York occurred when the officials missed a call that solidified the 104-99 win for the Aces.

A’Ja Wilson found her groove in the second half finishing with 33 points and 10 rebounds, a double double. Jackie Young had 29 points and Chelsea Gray finished with 16 points before fouling out.

This was an outstanding game for both teams and it was unfortunate when the officials, all three of them, missed a critical call that hurt the Liberty when they would have had then opportunity to at least tie up this game.

Not to diminish the Las Vegas effort but the bottom line is that these officials really blew it in the closing seconds something that cannot happen in a game the caliber of this one.

Brenna Ionescu had the high for the Liberty with 26 points and 11 rebounds also with a double double and Pauline Astier chipping in 19 points.

The Aces will now head out on the road; their first stop in Chicago taking on the Sky. They will face some challenges on this road trip with stops in Atlanta, Indiana, Minnesota and finally finishing off the trip taking on the Liberty once again. They will take it one game at a time with their first road matchup Saturday in Chicago with tipoff scheduled for 10:00 AM.

Aces Victory Determined In Opening Quarter Beating Portland 98-83

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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.

Las Vegas Aces game wrap: Fever Hit 14 Three’s Crushing Aces 109-75

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Indiana Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell (0) shoots over Las Vegas Aces guard Jackie Young (0), as forward NaLyssa Smith (3) defends in the first half at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas on Sun Jul 12, 2026 (AP News photo)

By Rich Perez

The Las Vegas Aces (17-6) took on the Indiana Fever (13-9) Sunday evening at Michelob ULTRA Arena after losing to them a week ago both games being played in Las Vegas. The Aces were looking for some payback in this game but it was the Fever that ruled the roost in this game.

After three quarters, the Fever had an 80-64 lead and had led the entire game. Indiana had totally disrupted the Aces normal. They played fast early pushing the pace and forced the Aces to defend before they could get set.

This sort of play wore down the Aces. The points from beyond the arc were a huge part of the success Indiana had. The Fever crowded the passing lanes making it tough to get the ball inside to A’Ja Wilson. Wilson was not getting the clean looks that she so often gets rendering her ineffective much of the time.

The bottom line was that the Aces felt uncomfortable for most of the game. Las Vegas has struggled in first halves and the Fever took advantage playing with higher energy from the start.

The fourth quarter was a nightmare with the Aces falling further and further behind. In the blink of an eye the Fever had a twenty+ point lead 102–75. The final was 109-75 in a game that the Aces look forward to putting in their rear view.

GAME RECAP

Las Vegas got a sluggish start in the first quarter of this game. The Fever had taken early control of the game and the Aces first points on the board came two minutes into the quarter. The Aces got within two points but the Fever held the lead for the entire opening ten minutes of play and led at the half 31-22.

The Aces had gotten a slow offensive start and the Fever pressured the ball well forcing Las Vegas into difficult looks. The Fever also did a better job on the glass creating extra scoring opportunities. Indiana got early production from their key players resulting in great momentum before the Aces were even able to settle in.

Early in the second quarter the Aces called a time-out. The Fever had continued to dominate offensively leading 37-26 two minutes into the quarter. Coming out of the time-out the Aces amped up the intensity which was short-lived.

With 3 1/2 minutes left in the half the Fever had a 51-40 lead and showed no signs of taking their foot off the pedal. They were relentless and with 2:06 left on the clock Indiana had taken their largest lead of the game 54-40.

Las Vegas fought hard but just could not turn their deficit into single digits. They trailed 59-48 going into the half and had a lot of work to do in the second half.

The Fever’s Kelsey Mitchell finished the half with 20 points and Aliyah Boston shot for 15. The Aces were having a lot of trouble shutting them down. The only Ace in double digits was A’Ja Wilson with 12 points.

The Fever had continued to dictate the pace in the first half while the Aces had far too many missed shots and came up too often with empty possessions. Las Vegas had to make some major second half adjustments.

The Aces had a far better start in the third quarter pulling to within four points in the early minutes and we had a ball gamel. The Aces were looking for their first lead of the game. The momentum that Las Vegas came into the quarter with disappeared as the quarter wound down.

The Fever continued to hit three’s already with ten while Las Vegas was struggling only hitting three. As the third quarter came to an end the Fever went into the four quarter with an 80-64 lead.

The Aces had made a nice run in the third quarter but let it go in the fourth. Indiana had outscored the Aces in every quarter of the game. The fourth quarter was the icing on the cake for the Fever outscoring Las Vegas 29-11 and pushing their lead out to 91-68. With under five minutes left in the game the Las Vegas starters were all on the bench the game a pretty much done deal. The final was 109-75.

GAME NOTES

The Indiana Fever controlled the game early with a strong start. The Aces once again struggled in the first half of the game. They played from behind the entire game and never led once.

The Fever defended A’Ja Wilson really well and she wasn’t able to dominate inside as she normally does. It was all Fever with Indiana quicker to snatch up loose balls and turned defensive stops into transition opportunities.

The Fever also spread the wealth around getting contributions from multiple players. They really got Las Vegas off their game and they were never able to recover.

Kelsey Mitchell was outstanding for the Fever finishing with 27 points. Aliyah Boston had a double double with 19 points and 11 rebounds. Caitlan Clark and Monique Billings both had double digits. Indiana had amazing work off the bench from Sophie Cunningham who shot for 20 points.

It was a quiet offensive night for the Las Vegas Aces in this game. A’Ja Wilson finished the game with 20 points and 12 rebounds, a double double. The only other player for the Aces in double digits was Jackie Young with 15 points.

The Las Vegas Aces will get a nice break not taking the court again until July 20th taking on the Toronto Tempo. They will have time to re-group and come back into the season fresh. This game will be played at Coca-Cola Coliseum in Toronto. Tipoff for this game is scheduled for 5:00 PM Pacific Time.

Aces Struggle Without A’Ja Wilson Lose to Fever Without Caitlin Clark 84-68

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Indiana Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell (0) drives on the Las Vegas Aces guard Chennedy Carter (23) in the first half at the T Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Sun Jul 5, 2026 (AP News photo)

By Rich Perez

Sunday afternoon the Las Vegas Aces took on the Indiana Fever at T-Mobile Arena. A few of the Las Vegas games have been moved to this venue due to the high demand for tickets.

For a third game in a row, A’Ja Wilson will not take the floor due to an ankle issue. Caitlan Clark is also on the injury list for the Fever. After the first two quarters it became very apparent that beating the Fever today would be a challenge.

The Aces had a one-point lead after the first ten minutes of play 23-24. At the half the Fever had taken the lead 42-41. It didn’t stop there. Indiana outscored the Aces in the third quarter 26-14 and with five minutes left in the game Las Vegas was trailing 77-62. The final was 84-68.

GAME RECAP

The Las Vegas Aces again took the court without A’Ja Wilson her third missed game in a row. The Aces are so reliant on her rebounding abilities that they may have a struggle on their hands. While they did have a slim lead after the first ten minutes of play, they were turning the ball over and unable to create very many open shots.

The Fever were successfully keeping them out of the paint and shots from beyond the arc just were not working. Las Vegas took a 24-23 lead into the second quarter looking to extend that lead.

The Fever outscored the Aces in the second quarter 19-17 and led at the half 42-41. It was still anybody’s game but Las Vegas was starting to struggle. The turnovers continued and they would have a lot to improve on in the second half. The Fever continued to keep Vegas out of the paint and second chance shots were non-existent. Despite how close this game was, the way that the Aces were operating was not looking good at all.

When the third quarter got underway the Indiana Fever took control with defense, rebounding and timely shooting. The absence of Wilson was really glaring, the team missing her scoring, rebounding and the defensive anchor that she is. The Fever were winning the battle inside. Aliyah Boston controlled the paint and the Fever grabbed key offensive rebounds that led to second-chance points. Indiana outscored the Aces 26-14 in the quarter and led going into the fourth quarter 67-55.

The Aces would have to get after it to start the final quarter but they continued to struggle. As the fourth quarter wore on Kelsey Mitchell made several big baskets whenever the Aces attempted a rally.

The Las Vegas offense had cooled off in the second half. They struggled to make shots and could not string together enough stops and scores to erase a significant deficit. The bottom line was that the Fever played a disciplined, physical game and executed better in the closing minutes. Indiana had capitalized on the absence of Wilson. The final was 84-68.

GAME NOTES

The second half was a nightmare for the Aces. The turnovers continued Las Vegas finishing with 13 conceding 13 points. The Fever took a lot more shots than the Aces and came away with numerous second chance opportunities.

Through 3 1/2 quarters the Aces did not have a single second chance ball. The Las Vegas starting lineup struggled the high for the Aces Jackie Young with only 15 points. The Fever’s Kelsey Mitchell finished with 27 points and Aliyah Boston a double double with 18 points and 10 rebounds.

The Aces will not play again until this coming Thursday taking on the Portland Fire. A’Ja Wilson has an estimated return of July 9th which is next Thursday. While the team does not want her to re-injure her ankle they are really hurting without her.

They need her healthy upon her return. Not only is her skill invaluable, she lifts the entire team up when she is on the floor. Tipoff for Thursday’s game is scheduled for 7:00 PM.

Aces Fight Through Overtime Beating Sky 98-90

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Las Vegas Aces guard Chelsea Gray (12) is fired up after hitting a basket that tied up the game and forced overtime against the Chicago Sky at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas on Fri Jul 3, 2026 (AP News photo)

By Rich Perez

The Las Vegas Aces (15-5) got off to a great start in their matchup with the Chicago Sky (6-14) leading after one quarter 22-19. The Aces really cranked it up in the second quarter outscoring the Sky 27-18 and leading at the half 49-37.

While the Aces held the lead at the half, they were outscored in the third and fourth quarters, in fact, they tied up the game in the final seconds of the fourth quarter to go into overtime. It was a wild overtime but it was the Aces who broke through coming away with the win 98-90.

Despite A’Ja Wilson watching the game from the sidelines with a right ankle/leg injury her teammates held their own. WIlson had initially been listed as questionable but ruled out at game time.

This was her second consecutive missed game after sitting out the Commissioner’s Cup this week. Friday night the team had to rely on Jackie Young and Chelsea Gray to generate offense and they really came through as did Nalyssa Smith in a monumental way finishing with the game high of 29 points and 8 rebounds. She was terrific. Gray, Young and Jewell Loyd all turned in double digits in this game.

GAME RECAP

The Las Vegas Aces outscored the Chicago Sky in the first quarter of their matchup at T-Mobile Arena 22-19. They would be focused on extending that lead throughout the second quarter.

The Aces again outscored the Sky in the second quarter this time by a larger margin 27-18 taking a 49-37 lead into the locker room at the half. They would need more of the same in the second half, keeping the pressure on the Sky.

It got a bit shaky in the third quarter when the Sky answered back outscoring the Aces 27-21. Las Vegas was hanging onto a 70-64 lead going into the fourth quarter. The Sky was taking away the paint and limiting offensive chances for the Aces and they desperately needed to turn that around.

The fourth quarter was a challenging one for Las Vegas. The Sky not only tied up the game but took the lead with 3:47 left in the game 82-81. Chicago took as much as a three point lead in the final minutes of the game. The Aces were able to tie up this game in the final seconds of the fourth quarter at 86 but unable to take back the lead. This game went into overtime.

With 2.38 left in the overtime this game remained tied at 88. Jackie Young broke the tie stealing the ball and scoring. With 1:14 left on the clock the Aces had possession and the lead 92-88. This game was going down to the wire.

With 1:08 left in the game the Sky were trailing 92-90 as referees reviewed a collision between Natasha Cloud and Jackie Young that resulted in Young coming away with a bloody lip.

If the review went in the Aces favor, the Sky’s basket and the Vegas foul would be taken away. It did go in their favor and the Aces had a 92-88 lead, Chicago losing the two points. Chelsea Gray hit another basket with under a minute.

The Sky fell apart offensively in the final seconds running out of time. They had played a great second half of basketball just coming up short in the overtime. The final was 98-90 in favor of the Las Vegas Aces.

GAME NOTES

This was a fight right down to the final seconds. The turning point was the challenge by Las Vegas with 1:10 left on the clock that went in favor of the Aces. Las Vegas went on to finish the Sky who began to miss the shots they had been making in the second half. It was a real team effort with the Las Vegas starters really stepping up in the absence of A’Ja Wilson. A lot of credit has to go to the Sky who played tough to the end of this matchup.

The Aces will have the day off Saturday but will be back in action at T-Mobile Arena on Sunday taking on the seventh place Indiana Fever. With the win Friday night the Aces are now tied with the Lynx for first place. Tipoff for Sunday’s game is scheduled for 4:00 PM PDT.

Aces Handle the Wings After Two Previous Losses 99-84

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Las Vegas Aces center A’ja Wilson (22) is fired up after scoring against the Dallas Wings forward Jessica Sheppard (right) in the first half at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas on Thu Jun 25, 2026 (AP News photo)

By Rich Perez

They say third times a charm. In their first meeting back in late May the Dallas Wings (11-7) beat Las Vegas Aces (13-5) 95-87 and in their second matchup Dallas walloped the Aces earlier this month 96-66. Thursday night the Aces figured it out and via a great opening quarter and a terrific finish they finally beat the Wings in a solid offensive and defensive game 99-84.

Game recap: This was the start that had eluded the Aces in their two previous matches with the Wings. They built an early lead by forcing Dallas into some difficult shots. They also got balanced scoring rather than relying on just one or two players. They controlled the pace and took a 28-17 lead into the second quarter.

The fast start for Las Vegas set the tone for this game in one of their best opening quarters of the season. Aggressive defense, efficient shotmaking and controlling the glass forced Dallas to work overtime for most of their baskets in the first ten minutes of play.

In the second quarter Dallas raised its intensity outscoring the Aces but only by a single point 22-21. The Wings were more aggressive attacking the basket putting more pressure on the Aces. Dallas had found more offensive rhythm in the second quarter than they had had in the opening quarter.

The Aces had more turnovers and a number of empty possessions. They did however respond with timely baskets whenever the Wings threatened to make a major run. Las Vegas had a 49-39 lead at the half.

The Wings continued to hang around in the third quarter again outscoring the Aces by a couple of points 24-22 making this game a bit uncomfortable for Las Vegas. This had been the Aces most uncomfortable stretch in the game.

Dallas came into the quarter with a lot of energy putting a lot of pressure on Las Vegas. They continued to attack the paint playing with greater urgency. The Aces offense on the other hand became less fluid and they had fewer easy scoring opportunities.

By the end of the quarter the comfortable lead the Aces once enjoyed had shrunk. They needed to execute in the fourth quarter and avoid letting the Wings make a comeback.

The Wings had chipped away at the lead in the second and third quarters but the Aces did not panic. They came out and executed better in key moments in the final quarter. Las Vegas made timely buckets and the veterans made smart decisions by hitting key shots, getting to the free-throw line or creating great looks for teammates.

They really tightened up defensively with key stops in the closing moments which made all the difference in this game. They kept the Wings from getting too many second-chance opportunities. Las Vegas outscored the Wings in the fourth quarter 28-21 and the final score in the Vegas win was 99-84.

A’Ja Wilson had the high score in this game with 32 points and Jackie Young finished with 20 points. Chelsea Gray had 11 points and bench players Cheyenne Parker-Tyus and Keirstan Bell both came away with double digits. Collectively the bench finished with 31 points.

The Wings’ Jessica Shepard finished the game with a double double, 22 points and 14 rebounds. Paige Bueckers had the high for the Wings with 25 points

Game notes: The Aces settled a score with the Wings with their first win after three tries against Wings. Thursday night they found a way to beat the Wings at Michelob ULTRA Arena after losing to the New York Liberty Tuesday night.

The Las Vegas offense sputtered at times in that game and the Liberty came in with a solid game plan that they executed to perfection. The fourth quarter in that game saw the Aces threaten to make a come-back but came up just short losing 87-76.

The score that Las Vegas would dearly love to settle Thursday night however was regarding a loss to the Wings on June 15 to the tune of 96-66. It was a most unexpected lop-sided game with the Wings thrashing the Aces.

Las Vegas does remain in second place in the standings with the Dream nipping at their heels in third place. The season is approaching the half-way mark and the Aces got back on track with a win Thursday night over Dallas. The Wings are currently in fifth place in the WNBA.

The Aces will next take on the Chicago Sky at United Center. The game will take place this Sunday June 28th. Tipoff for this game is scheduled for 1:00 PM PDT. It will be televised on CBS and Paramount.

Aces Offense Never Gets On Track Losing to Liberty 87-75

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New York forward Breanna Steward (30) goes in for a layup against Las Vegas Aces forward Kierstan Bell (1) and guard Jackie Young (right) the first half at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas on Tue Jun 23, 2026 (AP News photo)

By Rich Perez

This was not the offense we are used to seeing from the Las Vegas Aces. They got beaten pretty badly at the hands of the rival New York Liberty losing 87-75. The Liberty controlled the pace the entire game. Their defense as well was outstanding. Las Vegas was just off and never really got going the entire game although they did come around in the fourth quarter but it was far to late at that point.

Game recap: After the first ten minutes of play, the Liberty had taken a slim 19-17 lead. The largest lead in the game for the Liberty was seven points. Las Vegas had struggled to make shots early while the Liberty got into its offense early.

The Liberty had forced the Aces into difficult late-clock shots instead of the clean looks they usually get for A’Ja Wilson and Jackie Young. New York had capitalized on Aces mistakes pushing the pace and scoring before the Las Vegas defense could set up. The Liberty had controlled the pace in the first quarter and the Aces needed to turn that around in the second quarter.

Midway through the second quarter, the Liberty continued to control the tempo of the game. With four minutes left in the half, New York had taken a ten-point lead 33-23. The Aces would have a lot of work to do in the second half. New York outscored the Aces in the second quarter 23-16 and took a 42-33 lead into the third quarter.

This had not been a great half for Las Vegas. New York shot the ball more efficiently and they did it early. They got quality looks which allowed them to build an early lead. Las Vegas had a few careless turnovers which the Liberty took advantage of and prevented the Aces from getting into any kind of rhythm.

The Liberty had really disrupted the Aces offense. 33 halftime points is far below what fans typically see from Las Vegas. The Aces were just not shooting well, pure and simple. The Liberty were playing a scrappier game getting more offensive rebounds, loose balls and transition baskets.

While a nine-point deficit is not insurmountable for Las Vegas they do have a lot of work to do in the second half. A’Ja Wilson needed to get more touches in the paint and they needed to limit the turnovers.

Chelsea Gray had to heat up. Jackie Young was the only player on the floor in double digits and A’Ja Wilson finished the half with only six points. A little more consistency from beyond the arc would not have hurt either.

Both teams started slow in the third quarter. Las Vegas was getting stops but was unable to capitalize. The Aces went on a six-point run cutting the Liberty lead to 47-43 four minutes into the quarter.

With under three minutes left in the third the Liberty went on a run taking a 60-46 lead making things awfully difficult on Las Vegas. As the third quarter came to an end the Aces were in deep trouble trailing 67-51. The Liberty were controlling the boards and the Aces couldn’t string stops together. The way that New York was playing Las Vegas had a huge task in front of them in the fourth quarter.

The odds certainly favored the Liberty going into the fourth quarter unless the Aces could put together a huge run. They needed to cut the Liberty lead to single digits early. Las Vegas did have a much improved fourth quarter outscoring the Liberty 25-20 but it was just not enough to come away with a win.

One of the biggest reasons for the Las Vegas loss was their offense that went cold after the first quarter. New York’s defense was outstanding making every shot for the Aces difficult and limiting clean looks which forced them into a very frustrating offensive night.

Going into the third quarter the Aces needed a big run but instead the Liberty increased their lead and put the Aces in a very deep hole going into the fourth quarter. Las Vegas had a very good final quarter but the third quarter was the determining factor in this game.

The Liberty’s Breanna Steward had the game high with 20 points. The Aces Jackie Young had the high for her team hitting 19 points. The only double double of the game went to New York’s Sabrina Ionescu, 16 points with 10 rebounds.

Game notes: Tuesday evening the Aces were back in action taking on the Liberty it just turned out the way the Aces suffering fifth loss of the season. Sunday afternoon the Aces punished the Golden State Valkyries winning the game 92-73 leading at one time in the game by 28 points. Currently the Aces are in second place in the standings, the Liberty in fourth.

The Aces remain at home again playing at Michelob ULTRA Arena in front of a packed crowd. The Aces have seen so many competitive games between these two teams over the years, one of the biggest rivalries in the WNBA.

They have faced each other 62 times over the years with the Aces winning 34 times and the Liberty 28. These two teams feature many of the league’s biggest stars including A’Ja Wilson, Breanna Steward, Sabrina Ionescu and Jackie Young. Nearly every matchup between these two teams feels like a playoff game.

Thursday night the Aces will give it another go. They will take on the Dallas Wings who are hot on their heels in the standings. This will be another home game before they head out on the road. Tipoff for this game is scheduled for 7:00 PM.