The Las Vegas Aces, led by A’ja Wilson’s dominant performance against LA Sparks, secured a 96-81 victory at home on Friday night. This win came after the team’s disappointing 102-82 loss to the Seattle Storm five days earlier, as Wilson and her teammates aimed to regain momentum heading into the weekend.

The game also featured the return of Kelsey Plum to Las Vegas, now with the Sparks after being traded in the offseason for Jewell Loyd, adding an intriguing narrative to the matchup between former teammates.

Wilson Sets Early Pace and Sustains Impact Throughout the Game

Wilson started the contest by deferring to Jackie Young, who handled much of the early offense, but soon took command as the game progressed. The Aces opened with a strong lead, pushing ahead 26-11 midway through the first quarter, although the Sparks narrowed the gap to 28-21 by the period’s end. Wilson contributed 10 points, five rebounds, and three assists in just eight minutes of play during this opening stretch.

Her influence grew in the second quarter, particularly on defense, where she blocked three shots, helping the Aces establish a 57-42 lead at halftime. Wilson’s presence was crucial in limiting the Sparks’ offensive flow and building a comfortable advantage for Las Vegas.

Maintaining Control in a Tightly Contested Second Half

The third quarter saw Wilson continue her strong performance despite a generally low-scoring period. She scored eight points, driving the Aces to outscore the Sparks 23-17 and extend their lead to 80-59 heading into the final quarter. Her ability to perform in critical moments kept Las Vegas firmly in control.

During the fourth quarter, Wilson remained unstoppable, adding another 10 points along with one assist and one steal, ensuring the Aces held on to their lead and closed out the game with a 96-81 victory.

Wilson’s All-Around Excellence Fuels Team Success

Coming off a tough loss against Seattle, the reigning MVP demonstrated resilience with a season-high 35 points. Beyond scoring, Wilson’s defensive efforts were pivotal, as she contained former teammate Dearica Hamby to just 14 points on 6-for-13 shooting. Additionally, Wilson’s passing ability shone through with six assists, often capitalizing on double teams as the Sparks focused their defense on her.

Her contributions on both ends of the court helped the Aces improve their team performance and regain confidence after a difficult outing earlier in the week.

A’ja Wilson and the Aces Prepare for a Crucial Rematch

Looking ahead, the Las Vegas Aces will face the Seattle Storm again on Sunday. After Wilson’s commanding display, the team hopes she can sustain her impressive form to deliver another strong performance in what promises to be a highly anticipated rematch. This game could further define the Aces’ season trajectory as they aim to build on their recent success.