The Las Vegas Aces secured a 90-86 victory over Paige Bueckers and the Dallas Wings on Wednesday at College Park Center, improving their record to 11-11 and gaining momentum before the All-Star break. A’ja Wilson‘s dominant performance led the way as she scored 37 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, helping the Aces withstand a late surge from the Wings in a tightly contested game.
Wilson’s Stellar Scoring Fuels Las Vegas
A’ja Wilson showcased her offensive prowess throughout the matchup, converting 15 of 25 field goal attempts and notching her second straight double-double. She scored 20 points in the first half alone, overpowering Dallas’ frontcourt with a combination of physical post moves and skilled play. Wilson’s defining moment came in the final 30 seconds when she completed an and-1 play, stretching the lead to four points and sealing the Aces’ win.
Dallas Wings Battle Despite Key Absences
The Dallas Wings, currently struggling with a 6-17 record and enduring their fourth straight loss, played without key player DiJonai Carrington. The Wings fell behind early but remained competitive thanks to standout rookie Paige Bueckers. Bueckers, the No. 1 overall pick and an All-Star starter, delivered a strong performance in the final quarter with 20 points, eight assists, and two steals, nearly erasing a 20-point deficit. Luisa Geiselsoder also contributed early on, providing scoring through three-pointers and aggressive drives while defending effectively on rebounds and forcing turnovers.
Aces Build a Commanding Lead
Though Dallas struggled to maintain scoring consistency in the third quarter, the Aces increased their advantage to 20 points entering the final period. Wilson’s inside presence controlled the paint, while Aaliyah Nye capitalized on the space created by the Wings’ defensive collapse, knocking down multiple shots from beyond the arc. Jackie Young and Jewell Loyd, who led the previous meeting between these two teams in Wilson’s absence, had quieter nights but still contributed to the overall victory.
Late Rally Falls Short for Dallas
The Wings mounted a stirring comeback in the fourth quarter, cutting the deficit to single digits thanks to Bueckers’ efforts from midrange and deep, as well as her playmaking that found teammates like Haley Jones for crucial baskets. Bueckers narrowed the gap to two points with a tough runner in the lane in the final minute, but Wilson’s clutch scoring in the last seconds prevented the Wings from completing the comeback.
This tough-fought victory helps the Las Vegas Aces gain confidence and momentum as the season approaches the All-Star break, while the Dallas Wings must regroup after a difficult stretch highlighted by injury challenges. For the Aces, Wilson’s dominant performance underlines her status as a key figure in their championship aspirations, and the team will look to build on this success in upcoming matchups.