Category: Las Vegas Aces

WNBA Playoffs/ Las Vegas Aces game wrap: Aces Blow-Out Fever In Game One 102-85

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Indiana Fever center Aliayah Boston (7) goes to the basket against Las Vegas center A’ja Wilson (22) in the first half of game 1 of the WNBA playoffs at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas on Sun Sep 27, 2026 (AP News photo)

By Rich Perez

The Las Vegas Aces (31-13) finished off their regular season Thursday night beating the Phoenix Mercury 100-82 and now enter the most important stretch of their 2026 season.

The Aces enter the playoffs as the number three seed taking on the number six seed the Indiana Fever (28-16) at Michelob ULTRA Arena today. The final was 102-85 and the defending champs had taken the first step toward another title.

The Aces led for most of the opening quarter and at the 2:18 mark had gone on a 8-0 run. When the clock ran out on the first quarter, Las Vegas was holding onto a 27-23 lead. The second quarter got very tight in the early minutes but the Aces took back control leading at the half by a generous margin 62-47 their largest lead of the game.

The defending champs broke this game wide-open in the third quarter taking as much as a 27 point lead. When the quarter came to an end Las Vegas had an 86-65 lead. A’Ja Wilson after three quarters had shot for 30 points.

Las Vegas continued to hang onto the lead although the Fever did cut the lead somewhat. Indiana had created a deep deficit in the third quarter and could not recover.

The WNBA playoffs got underway Sunday with the third seeded Las Vegas Aces taking on the sixth seed, the Indiana Fever in game one of this three-game series. This could prove to be a very tough game for Las Vegas.

The Fever have a 2-1 win/loss record during the regular season and the Aces will be looking to turn that around. Las Vegas led for most of the first quarter and at 2:18 left on the clock went on a 8-0 run. When the quarter came to an end, the Aces had a 27-23 lead. The largest lead of the game for Las Vegas so far in this game was 8 points.

This game got uncomfortably close as the second quarter got underway. The Fever continued to threaten the Las Vegas lead and at 7:47 Indiana took a 34-33 lead. Jackie Young had been unusually quiet with only three points mid-way through the second quarter.

At 5:23 Young did indeed get going hitting a field goal giving the Aces a 42-38 lead. The Aces really got going in the second half of the quarter. Jackie Young made her second three of the day and Las Vegas had a 49-40 lead with 4:05 on the clock.

Young continued to hit three’s another one at 2:57 her third and the Aces had a 54-42 lead. Las Vegas was shooting 67% in the first half. As the clock ran out on the half Jewell Loyd hit the teams seventh three of the day and Las Vegas took a 62-47 lead into the locker room.

The Aces outscored the Fever in the second quarter 35-24. A’Ja Wilson was on fire shooting at 80% finishing the half with 22 points and six rebounds. Chelsea Gray had 12 points and Jackie Young was heating up in the second quarter with 11 points.

The Fever had two of their starters Aliyah Boston and Lexie Hull already with 3 personals and they had contained Caitlin Clark very well. The Aces would need more of the same energy in the second half.

It all seemed to come unglued for Indiana mid-way through the third quarter as the Aces took their largest lead of the game 74-52 going on a 9-0 run. With 1:32 left in the quarter, the defending champs had broken this game wide-open leading by 27 points 85-58. Las Vegas took an 86-65 lead into the fourth quarter.

The Fever began to chip away at the Las Vegas lead in the fourth quarter. The Aces 27 point lead had been cut to fifteen as Indiana controlled the early minutes of the final quarter.

Both teams were out of challenges in the second half both of them losing challenges. Las Vegas got back on track building their lead back up to twenty 93-73. With under five minutes left on the clock Clark and Boston each had five personal fouls. The Fever continued to fight cutting a 23 point lead to 17 with under 2 1/2 minutes left in the game.

GAME NOTES

It was yet another amazing game from A’Ja Wilson. When you think that she cannot get any better, guess what, she does. She blew this game out of the water finishing with a double double, 38 points and 16 rebounds. She was 2 of 2 from beyond the arc and 15 of 19 from the field. Jackie Young did heat up after a slow start finishing with 21 points and 10 assists.

A’Ja Wilson started off this game efficiently inside. She forced Indiana to deal with her near the basket early where she is a major threat. They really made Caitlin Clark work defensively. Early on Clark was only 1-for-6 with two turnovers.

Indiana couldn’t get it’s transition offense going in this game. The Aces shooting efficiency was improved shooting at 67.9% compared to the Fever’s 40.9%, a huge desparity.

Both Young and Chelsea Gray had a hand in creating offense. Young had ten assistss and Gray eight so Indiana had to defend multiple playmakers and could not concentrate solely on Wilson. The one thing that the Aces were looking to improve upon was defensive plays. They were far improved in this aspect not giving up many second chances.

It will be a quick turn-around for both teams in game two. That game will get underway at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on Tuesday with an early 3:30 tipoff.

A’Ja Wilson Leads Aces to 30th Win Beating Sparks 89-79

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Las Vegas Aces center A’ja Wilson (22) makes a rebound between the Los Angeles Sparks guards Rae Burrell (12) and Chance Gray (right) in the first half at the Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas on Tue Sep 22, 2026

By Rich Perez

Tuesday evening the Las Vegas Aces (30-13) played their final regular season game at home taking on the Los Angeles Sparks (16-27). The final was 89-79 in favor of the Aces.

They will finish the regular season on the road in Phoenix on Thursday. While the Aces cannot climb higher than third place in the standings, the Atlanta Dream are hot on their heels a half game behind them in fourth place.

A packed Michelob ULTRA Arena watched the Aces take a nice lead after the first ten minutes of play 24-11. Las Vegas took a 42-33 lead into the half. The Aces outscored the Sparks in the third quarter 23-18 but the Sparks did outscore Las Vegas in the fourth quarter 28-24 but it was the Aces double digit lead in the opening quarter that was enough to keep the Aces fairly comfortable the entire game.

GAME RECAP

The Los Angeles Sparks took an early lead over the Las Vegas Aces but once Las Vegas got going the Sparks trailed for the rest of the quarter with Las Vegas leading after the first ten minutes of play 24-11 which was the Aces largest lead of the game so far. Cheyenne Parker-Tyus finished off the opening quarter hitting the final shot with six ticks left on the game clock. The Sparks had trouble with ball protection committing eight turnovers in the quarter, the Aces had four.

Mid-way through the second quarter the Aces had extended their to 35-18. The Sparks started a bit of a rally as the clock began to wear down, with only three minutes until the half. They cut the 17-point Vegas lead to 11 points 35-24. Los Angeles continued to attack the rim closing the gap only trailing by six points 35-29 with 2:20 left in the first half. Las Vegas pushed back and at the half while the Aces had given up their double digit lead they did lead 42-33.

The only Las Vegas player in double digits at the half was Chelsea Gray with 11 points. The Aces needed A’Ja Wilson and Jackie Young to heat up in the second half. The Sparks were hanging around getting close but continued to play catch-up.

The Las Vegas defense as in their last game was not as tight as they would like and that was something that Chelsea Gray had talked about after their win last Sunday. They really want to get that defense back on course.

Erica Wheeler was finding gaps in the Aces perimeter defense. She was able to hurt Las Vegas in a couple of way; she could penetrate and create but she can also knock down threes. The Aces had to make Wheeler work even harder defensively. They needed to shut her down and force someone else to initiate the offense.

It’s not that the Aces were playing poor defense but they did allow the Sparks to stay within striking distance. They didn’t want this game to turn into a one or two possession game. It iwas interesting that Wheeler is not typically one of the Sparks primary scorers. Nneka Ogwumike leads Los Angeles in scoring.

The Sparks continued to hang around in the third quarter but the tenacity and grit from team leader A’Ja Wilson pushed this team’s lead back into double digits. With 1:58 left in the quarter the Aces had some serious momentum going leading 62-45. The Las Vegas bench was doing a solid job collectively scoring 21 points. As the third came to an end, Las Vegas had a 65-51 lead.

Las Vegas would be looking to finish strong in the fourth quarter. Mid-way through the quarter the Aces were holding strong leading 78-64. The bench did not take the court in the first half of the fourth, the starters trying to put this one away. The final was 89-79 as the Aces won their 30th game of the season.

GAME RECAP

The Aces had a strong third quarter giving them some momentum and despite being outscored in the fourth by four points it just was not enough to get the Sparks over the top.

The entire game, the Sparks did not go away getting momentum but the Aces answered every time. As we have seen so often A’Ja Wilson played the role of stabilizer. She continued to score inside and draw attention which prevented the Sparks from selling out against the perimeter.

The Ace’s defense was more effective at limiting the Sparks’ offensive rhythmn when it really counted. In the fourth quarter the Aces never let the Sparks turn this into a one-possession game. They maintained separation for most of the game. So Las Vegas won with control rather than on a huge run; they built a cushion and kept the lead at a comfortable distance until the clock ran out.

A’Ja Wilson had a double double in the game, 18 points and 10 rebounds the game high. Chelsea Gray finished with 17 points and Jackie Young and Stephanie Talbot each had 14 points.

The Aces will play their final game of the regular season Thursday night on the road. They will take on the Phoenix Mercury with tipoff scheduled for 7:00 PM.

Wilson Scores 30 Points As Aces Punish Seattle 98-77

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Las Vegas Aces center A’ja Wilson (22) shoots over Seattle Storm center Dominique Malonga (14) in the first half at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas on Sun Sep 20, 2026 (AP News photo)

By Rich Perez

The WNBA now heads into their final week of the regular season. Sunday night the Las Vegas Aces (29-13) beat on the Seattle Storm (8-35) for a 98-77 victory at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas.

The 2026 WNBA season will play their final regulation game on Thursday September 24, the playoffs getting underway on Sunday September 27. Many of the players in the league are back from Germany where they played in the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup.

A’Ja Wilson did not travel to Germany not feeling 100% physically well and it was a priority to get her healthy with the playoffs on the horizon. After the first quarter of Sunday night’s game the Aces had a significant lead 29-18.

The Storm rallied in the second quarter coming as close as a single basket but the Aces pushed back leading at the half 52-43. The Aces would outscore the Storm in the third quarter 24-21. They really piled it on in the fourth quarter outscoring Seattle 22-13 and winning the game 98-77.

GAME RECAP

The Las Vegas Aces were back in action after a several weeks layoff due to the basketball tournament overseas. They took a 29-18 lead after the first ten minutes of play. They finished the opening quarter shooting close to 60%. The Storm was playing in their second game of a back-to-back. As the quarter came to an end, Seattle was starting to heat up.

The Storm rallied in the second quarter getting to within two points 31-33. They were giving the Aces all they could handle. With 4 1/2 minutes left in the half Las Vegas was fighting to keep the lead as Seattle threatened throughout the final minutes of the second quarter.

Jackie Young was on a heater scoring 16 points in the first half and A’Ja Wilson was in double digits with 14 points. The Aces heated up in the final minute of play taking a 52-43 lead into the locker room. The Seattle Storm had outscored the Aces in the second quarter 25-23.

As the third quarter came to an end the Aces were holding onto a 76-64 lead. Cheyenne Parker-Tyus hit a three to close out the quarter. They had outscored the Storm in the third quarter 24-21.

The Storm however had out-rebounded the Aces through three quarters 28-18 and Las Vegas would have to keep an eye on that going into the fourth looking to close out this game.

It was a solid fourth quarter for the Aces not only hanging onto their lead but extending it throughout the quarter. When it was all said and done the Aces had outscored Seattle 22-13 winning the game by the score of 98-77.

GAME NOTES

The Las Vegas Aces executed beautifully on offense in this game. They established control early although the Storm did threaten in the second quarter. The Aces maintained that advantage for most of the game.

Las Vegas had a strong start and they sustained offensive effort. They opened scoring 29 points in the first quarter and 24 in the third. This consistent scoring helped them not only build but preserve a comfortable lead in the fourth quarter.

The Aces offensive efficiency was really good shooting 48.4%. Seattle just could not keep pace with Las Vegas. They only scored seven points in the all-important fourth quarter.

The Storm fell behind early and they had a lot of trouble matching the Aces overall offensive output. Las Vegas maintained the lead throughout the game. The Storm never found the scoring consistency needed to make it a close finish.

A’ja Wilson reached the 1,000 point mark (1021 to be exact) in this game the second time she has reached this milestone. She finished this game with 30 points the high for the game. Jackie Young had 23 points and Chelsea Gray with 15. Three bench players Cheyenne Parker-Tyus, Mai Yamamoto and Ta’niya Latson each had eight points.

On Tuesday evening the Aces will matchup with the Los Angeles Sparks as they approach the finish line their goal to finish strong.

Chelsea Gray did say after Saturday night’s game that they need to work on defensive rebounding and you can be certain that they will turn that around. Tipoff for this game that will be played at Michelob ULTRA Arena is scheduled for 7:00 PM.

Aces On Fire Finish Off Toronto 93-73

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Las Vegas Aces center A’ja Wilson (22) reacts after drawing a foul after a shot made during the WNBA game against the Toronto Tempo on Friday, August 28, 2026, at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.(RJ Forbus – The Sporting Tribune)

By Rich Perez

With the season rapidly winding down, the Las Vegas Aces (26-13) took on the Toronto Tempo at Michelob ULTRA Arena (11-27) and winding down the season on a winning note with a 93-73 win.

Currently in third place, Las Vegas would love to finish with a winning streak and possibly pull into second place in the standings. Friday night they took on one of the new franchises and the first WNBA team located outside the United States.

The Tempo are going through the growing pains that any new franchise more often than not experience. Las Vegas will be looking for their third win in a row.

The first quarter came to an end with the Aces taking a 27-17 lead. Las Vegas would be looking to extend that lead in the second quarter, the goal to build a significant lead going into the half. Las Vegas did indeed extend their lead outscoring the Tempo 29-22 in the second quarter and taking a 56-39 lead into the locker room at the half.

Las Vegas barely outscored the Tempo in the third quarter but continued to lead 74-55. The Tempo had dug themselves into a pretty deep hole as they continued to struggle against the all-around solid play from Las Vegas. Toronto played the Aces pretty even in the fourth quarter.

GAME NOTES

The Aces came out strong in the opening quarter. As Las Vegas have seen often, Jackie Young was on fire hitting three shots from beyond the arc. She finished the quarter with 12 points and was 4-of-6 shooting with three assists.

Las Vegas had excellent pressure forcing nine Toronto turnovers while only committing one. They created extra possessions and easy scoring chances. They were shooting 47% from the field and 40% from beyond the arc. The Tempo were shooting 43% from the field and 33% from three. A’Ja Wilson was helping create offense taking up residence inside.

The Aces continued their defense and the hot start from Jackie Young in the second quarter and that was making all the difference so far in this game. They did extend their lead in the second quarter outscoring the Tempo 29-22 and taking a 56-39 lead at halftime.

The largest lead for the Aces in the first half was 18 points. They were playing really clean with only five fouls and had 18 points in the paint. At the half the Aces only had one turnover while the 11 turnovers for Toronto resulted in ten Las Vegas points. The Aces also had six steals.

Toronto had 12 fouls sending Las Vegas to the line where they hit 13 of 14 shots. The Tempo was four of four from the line. The Tempo was really struggling with the Aces intensity and especially their defense. Las Vegas would like to close out this game in the third quarter.

A’Ja Wilson had already made 18 points in the first half with Jackie Young right behind her with 17. Off the bench Cheyenne Parker-Tyrus was on edge of double digits with nine points in only six minutes on the court.

Early in the third quarter the Aces extended their lead to 21, their largest of the game. They had beaten the Tempo last Sunday 88-78 in Toronto and were on course to create even more of a margin in Friday night’s game.

Toronto refused to back down however. The Tempo went on a 8-0 run five minutes into the quarter and the Aces needed to put a stop to the Toronto rally. The Aces 21 point lead had been shaven down to 13 points by the Tempo and Las Vegas had to get back on track.

The Aces had three turnovers in the third quarter as the Tempo brought a lot more intensity to the third quarter. Toronto was playing even with the Aces in the third quarter. As the quarter came to an end Las Vegas had pushed their lead back out to 74-55 outscoring the Tempo in the third 18-16. Toronto was going to back down although they had dug themselves into a pretty deep hole in the first half.

The Aces brought the pressure in the fourth quarter extending their lead back out to 87-62 their largest lead of the game with a little over five minutes left in the game. It would seem that the fourth quarter meltdowns that the Aces were dealing with a while ago had been completely cleaned up and they were peaking at the perfect time.

The Aces head to Seattle to face the Seattle Storm at Climate Pledge Arena just under the Space Needle on Sep 17th for a 7:00pm PDT tip.

Aces Take Sun Apart After Slow First Half 101-78

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Las Vegas Aces (center) A’ja Wilson (22) takes a jump shot against the Connecticut Sun defenders at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas on Thu Aug 20, 2026 (AP News photo)

By Rich Perez

The Las Vegas Aces (25-13) have assured themselves a playoff berth and now play for position. Tonight they took on the Connecticut Sun (9-26). After the first ten miniutes of play Las Vegas had the lead but by a single digit 25-24.

Unexpected yes but the Sun came out playing more aggressively than their record would indicate. Las Vegas began to turn it all around in the second quarter but the Sun came roaring back and at the half the Aces continued to lead by a single point 48-47.

The second half was a tale of two halves. The Aces outscored the Sun in the third quarter 27-16 and were leading 75-63 going into the fourth quarter. Las Vegas broke this game wide open throughout the final quarter. They outscored Connecticut 26-15. The final was 101-78.

GAME RECAP

Now that the Las Vegas Aces have assured them selves a spot in the playoffs position now becomes their focus and winning is imperative in order to do that. Thursday night the Aces take on a team that sits very close to the basement in the standings.

Because of their record, the way that the Sun came out in this game was totally unexpected. Britteny Griner was ruled out for tonight’s game. After the first ten minutes of play, the Aces were hanging onto a slim 25-24 lead.

The Aces had as much as a ten point lead in the game but when halftime came around, Las Vegas was still treading water with a 48-47 lead. The Aces would need to slow down the Sun. They came into the game a bit out of rhythm in the first quarter and seemed to have turned it around in second but let the Sun back in the game.

Las Vegas would have their hands full in the second half. The Sun had been getting good looks and they were moving the ball really well. The Aces needed to disrupt their rhythm and really needed some sharp defense.

In their last game against Atlanta Las Vegas’s defense was not on point and turnovers were horrendous. They have cleaned that up in Thursday night’s first half with only three turnovers. The Aces have beaten the Sun twice this season and the Sun came out looking like a team with something to prove.

Connecticut already had three players in double digits. In the second half, Las Vegas would need to start hitting shots from outside letting A’Ja Wilson work her magic inside. If the Aces could tighten up their defense and they have already put the stops on the turnovers, they have the talent and depth to start creating separation.

Las Vegas started the third quarter going on a 11-0 run and taking a 61-52 lead. Jackie Young was on a heater something we have been seeing quite often. Early in the quarter she had already hit 24 points. She was 3 of 3 from beyond the arc.

A little help from Chelsea Gray and A’Ja Wilson would be a good thing balancing out this offense. Mid-way through the third the Aces had their largest lead of the game 66-52. .After three quarters, the Aces had separated themselves from the Sun leading 75-63. They would have to play a clean fourth quarter with both Nalyssa Smith and Cheyenne Parker-Tyrus with four personals.

Las Vegas took over the fourth quarter taking their largest lead of the game a few minutes into the quarter 87-65. Connecticut was struggling with 17 turnovers as the Aces began to carve them up offensively. Las Vegas was out-rebounding the Sun 35-20. They had done an about-face taking control of this game offensively and defensively.

GAME NOTES

After struggling in the first half of this game, the Las Vegas Aces turned this game completely around. It all started in the third quarter when they outscored the Sun 27-16 and they never backed down for the rest of the game.

They dominated the boards finishing with 41 rebounds, 12 of them offensive to Connecticut’s 29. The extra possessions wore Connecticut down. Las Vegas took far better care of the ball committing only 11 turnovers to the Sun’s 19.

Jackie Young could not be stopped finishing with 24 points the game high and seven rebounds. A’Ja Wilson had 20 points and off the bench Cheyenne Parker-Tyrus was amazing with 18 points and nine rebounds. They totally dominated the second half of the game.

The Aces will now head out on the road taking on the Toronto Tempo. Tipoff for this game late Sunday afternoon is scheduled for 4:00 PM.

Aces Suffer Tough Loss to Dream At Home 97-82

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It was all a bad dream as the Las Vegas Aces head coach Becky Hammon had to be restrained by center A’ja Wilson (22) and assistant coach Larry Lewis after being ejected in the first half against the Atlanta Dream at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas on Tue Aug 18, 2026 (AP News photo)

By Rich Perez

After a bit of a slow start mid-way through the first ten minutes of play on Tuesday night, the Las Vegas Aces (24-13) tied up the game in their matchup with the Atlanta Dream (22-13) 12 apiece. The Aces finished off the first quarter with a slim 25-24 lead.

Mid-way through the second quarter the Dream made a huge move and did not back down for the rest of the quarter. They took the lead and continued to extand that lead taking a 52-41 advantage into the locker room at the half.

This was the Aces largest deficit at home this season. Las Vegas outscored the Dream in the third quarterk but did not make up much ground winning the third quarter 20-19. As the clock continued to count down in the fourth quarter, there would be no run for the Aces as they continued to trail Atlanta by double digits.

The Aces would get as close as six points but they had dug a deep hole going into the fourth quarter and the Dream would not let them back in the game. The final was 97-82 as the Dream went on a 9-0 run in the closing minutes to cinch the win.

GAME RECAP

It was a slow start for the Las Vegas Aces to start their matchup with the Atlanta Dream at Michelob ULTRA Arena. At the five minute mark the Aces tied up the game at twelve and took their first lead of the game at 1:51 in the opening quarter.

They had a slim 25-24 lead going into the second quarter. The Dream who are currently in fifth place in the standings are not a team to be played with and the Aces needed to step up before this game went into the half. Las Vegas would be looking to extend that lead before half time.

This game could not have been closer through the first five minutes of the second quarter but it took a turn in favor of the Dream for the remainder of the quarter. Atlanta pushed their lead out and continued to extend it leading at the half 62-41.

At 5:06 in the second Head Coach Becky Hammon got intensely heated over a perceived non-call on an A’Ja Wilson play. She didn’t let it rest but instead unleashed a furious verbal outburst at the referees. She was physically restrained by A’Ja Wilson before being officially ejected.

When the ejection took place it was a one-point game. The team would have to play the second half without her on the court. The best way to get the record straight would be for Las Vegas to go ehad and win this game but they sure had their work cut out for them trailing by double digits.

Las Vegas faced a tough task in the second half and it would not be at all easy. Since the ejection of Hammon it had not gone very well for the team. The starters for the Dream were playing a more balanced offense. Atlanta was making Las Vegas work much harder offensively than expected.

The Aces supporting scoring really had to step up in the third quarter. Jackie Young and Chelsea Gray along with the other perimeter players needed to capitalize when the Dream covered Wilson. The Dream had been attacking the paint all evening and getting transition opportunities.

The Aces fell behind in the third quarter by as much as 15 points but battled back going into the fourth quarter trailing 71-61. This season they have struggled in the fourth quarters of games but in recent outings this has not been the case.

The team had to get A’ja Wilson involved from the start of the quarter. She needed to attack the paint rather than settling for difficult jumpers from deep. Las Vegas had to force turnovers and scoring quick points instead of trying to chip away at the deficit. They could not afford another cold shooting stretch and Jackie Young, Chelsea Gray and Nalyssa Smith needed to step up. They would need a major run to start the quarter and get the momentum back.

The fourth quarter did not get underway very well for Las Vegas. They continued to trail by double digits 2 1/2 minutes into the quarter. At 7:30 the Aces cut the double digits into a nine point deficit but it did not last long as the Dream punched back taking a 12 point lead 82-70.

As the clock continued to wind down to the mid-way point of the fourth quarter the Dream were stubbornly hanging onto a 83-73 lead. With three minutes left in the game, the Aces desperately needed stops and it just wasn’t happening.

With just under two minutes left on the clock the Dream had a six point lead. Atlanta hung tough causing a turnover with a little over a minute left to play and this game was all but over. The final was 97-82 and the Dream had successfully won a road game in Las Vegas.

GAME NOTES:

It was a tough loss for the Aces. It all seemed to unravel after the ejection of Head Coach Becky Hammon. They were only trailing by one point when Hammon left the court in the second quarter. A’Ja Wilson had the game high a double double with 27 points and 14 rebounds. Jackie Young had 24 points, Chelsea Gray with 13 and Nalyssa Smith with ten. The rebound battle was almost even but Las Vegas had 17 turnovers which hurt them.

The Dream’s Angel Reese also had a double double with 21 points and ten rebounds. The high for the Dream was Rhyne Howard who finished with 23 points.

On Thursday night the Aces will try to re-group as they take on the Connecticut Sun remaining at ULTRA Michelob Arena. Tipoff for this game is scheduled for 7:00 PM.

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.