LAS VEGAS — In a commanding performance, A’ja Wilson scored 35 points and pulled down 13 rebounds, leading the Las Vegas Aces to a 96-81 victory over the Los Angeles Sparks on Friday night. This marked a significant comeback for the Aces, who were recovering from a disappointing 20-point defeat just five days earlier.
Wilson, whose score was the highest since her spectacular 41-point game against Phoenix on September 1, also contributed six assists in the match. Jackie Young supported the team with 26 points, while Chelsea Gray pitched in with 15 points. This game placed the Aces at a 3-2 record, signaling a positive turn after their slow start to the season.
Kelsey Plum led the charge for the Sparks with 17 points, with support from Odyssey Sims, who scored 15, and Dearica Hamby, who added 14 points. Both Plum and head coach Lynne Roberts found themselves on the receiving end of technical fouls due to disputes with the officials during the game.
Initially, the Aces experienced a challenging start to the season, which included a loss to Seattle where they lagged by 20 points. However, they quickly adapted, seizing control with a decisive 23-2 scoring spree. Although the Sparks closed the first quarter with a series of points bringing them within seven, the Aces countered with a 15-3 run in the second quarter. This decisive play established a dominant lead and secured their victory early on.
Despite a late-game effort from Los Angeles, where they narrowed the Aces’ lead to just eight points with 4:07 remaining, the outcome of the game was mostly determined by then.
This game was notable for Plum as it marked her return to Las Vegas since the Aces’ trade acquiring Loyd from Seattle in January. Meanwhile, Rickea Jackson did not play for the Sparks, citing personal reasons. Jackson has been averaging 7.0 points per game this season.
Adding to the evening’s excitement, Milwaukee Bucks star Damian Lillard and basketball Hall of Famer Tina Thompson were present, enjoying the game from their courtside seats.