A’Ja Wilson scored 27 points and shot a flawless 11-for-11 from the free-throw line to lead the Las Vegas Aces to a tight 78-72 win over the Golden State Valkyries. This result, recorded on the date of their latest matchup, strengthens the Aces’ position in the WNBA playoff race by boosting their record to 16-14 and giving them a 1.5-game lead for the final postseason spot over Golden State.

Game Dynamics and Critical Moments: Ates’ Late-Game Resilience

Despite a dominant 101-77 victory over Golden State in their earlier meeting this season, the Aces found this rematch much more challenging. In the final six minutes, Las Vegas managed only a single field goal—a pivotal three-pointer from Jewell Loyd with 3:38 left on the clock. Nevertheless, the team capitalized on free-throw opportunities, sinking 9 of 14 attempts during that stretch. Wilson’s performance was vital, as she made six of those free throws, including four essential shots in the final 34 seconds that ultimately sealed the win.

Key Contributions from Teammates Boost Aces’ Effort

Jewell Loyd contributed 14 points for the Aces, while Jackie Young added an equal scoring effort along with an impressive five steals, helping to shift momentum in Las Vegas’s favor during the third quarter. The Aces closed out that period with a strong 13-4 run. Both teams struggled with long-range accuracy throughout the game; Las Vegas converted just 5 of 27 three-point attempts (18.5%), while Golden State was similarly off-target, making 4 of 22 tries (18.2%).

Golden State Valkyries’ Fight Led by Hayes and Salaun

Golden State showed resilience with Tiffany Hayes recording 14 points and nine rebounds, marking a solid return after missing two games due to a left leg injury. Janelle Salaun also contributed notably, finishing with 13 points as the Valkyries pushed hard to close the gap against a disciplined Aces squad.

Aces’ Composure Under Pressure Highlights Playoff Ambitions

The victory showcased Las Vegas’s ability to remain composed during critical moments and execute under pressure, highlighting both individual excellence and collective teamwork. As the WNBA regular season approaches its climax, sustaining this form will be essential for the Aces as they look to secure a strong playoff position and advance deep into postseason play.