Las Vegas Aces’ standout A’ja Wilson exited the court before halftime in Tuesday’s game against the New York Liberty due to a right wrist injury, raising immediate concerns about her availability moving forward. Wilson’s injury occurred during a crucial moment as the Aces continue to fight for a playoff position this season.

Details of the Injury Incident

With just over four minutes left in the second quarter, Wilson drove aggressively to the basket but fell awkwardly after being fouled by Leonie Fiebich. During the fall, Wilson’s legs collapsed beneath her, leading her to instinctively brace herself with her hands, resulting in a jarring impact to her wrist.

Wilson remained on the ground momentarily while the Aces’ medical staff and her teammates rushed to her aid, holding towels to shield her from view. After a timeout, she was allowed to take her free throws while still on the floor, as she needed to attempt them to remain eligible to continue playing. Though she resumed briefly, Wilson ultimately left for the locker room before halftime wrapped up.

“A’ja Wilson fell awkwardly and hard on her left arm. Stayed down for a while but ultimately walked to the bench. Has to take these free-throws in a minute or so or else she’s done for the night: pic.twitter.com/jYzYT6MROD” — Lucas Kaplan

Impact on Game and Team Outlook

Wilson did not return in the second half and was officially ruled out for the remainder of the contest. The extent of her injury remains unclear, with medical evaluations pending, but the Las Vegas Aces hope to avoid a lengthy absence for their star forward. This comes at a critical juncture for the team, currently positioned eighth with a 9-9 record and fighting to secure a postseason berth.

The Aces, champions in 2022 and 2023, are facing a challenging campaign, making Wilson’s status even more pivotal. Her on-court leadership and all-around excellence have been central to the team’s performance and playoff aspirations.

Wilson’s Season Performance Before Injury

Prior to Tuesday’s injury, Wilson had been exceptional, averaging 21.9 points, nine rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.8 steals, and 2.6 blocks per game. She leads the team in scoring, rebounding, steals, and blocks, while ranking among the top five players in the league across these categories. Her recent recognition as a three-time MVP winner underscores her value to the Aces.

Upcoming Schedule and What to Watch

The Aces are scheduled to play again on Thursday against the Washington Mystics, followed by matchups with the Golden State Valkyries on July 12 and the Dallas Wings on July 16 before the All-Star break. Wilson’s health will be a closely monitored factor leading into these important games, as her presence on the court could significantly impact the team’s playoff trajectory.