NaLyssa Smith played a pivotal role in helping the Las Vegas Aces secure their seventh consecutive victory on Sunday by defeating the Dallas Wings. This latest win lifted the Aces to a 21-14 record, placing them fifth in the WNBA standings and just half a game behind the New York Liberty, who hold the third spot at 21-13. NaLyssa Smith Las Vegas Aces’ performance continues to bolster the team’s momentum as the playoffs approach.
Smith, traded from Dallas to Las Vegas on June 30, contributed 14 points and four rebounds while shooting 50 percent from the field (4-for-8) in Sunday’s game. Her arrival in Las Vegas has clearly rejuvenated her game, contrasting her earlier struggles with the Wings, where she averaged 6.7 points and 4.9 rebounds over 18 appearances. Since joining the Aces, she has improved to 7.9 points and 6.2 rebounds across 19 games.
NaLyssa Smith Reacts to Critics with a Subtle Message Toward Former Coach Curt Miller
Following the game, NaLyssa Smith addressed a fan’s comment on X (formerly Twitter) that referenced her previous low scoring output in a July 17 match against the Golden State Valkyries. The fan’s original tweet hinted at disappointment, but Smith responded with a sarcastic remark aimed at Dallas Wings’ coach Curt Miller, who faced criticism for trading her. Her comeback highlighted her growing confidence and rising impact with the Aces.
A’ja Wilson Praises Smith’s Shooting Improvement After Victory Over Wings
Las Vegas star A’ja Wilson publicly acknowledged Smith’s impressive shooting performance against Dallas on Instagram. Wilson shared a video clip of Smith hitting her second three-pointer of the game, captioning it, “My twin a sharp shootaaaaa.” This praise reflects Smith’s marked improvement from beyond the arc, as she raised her 3-point shooting percentage to 40 percent on Sunday—a career-best—after converting both attempts in the game. Earlier in the season with Dallas, her three-point percentage was just 18.2 percent.
Wilson herself had a dominant performance, scoring a team-high 34 points, grabbing eight rebounds, and blocking three shots on 11-for-16 shooting. The Aces, now firmly positioned in the playoff race, will look to maintain their winning streak in the upcoming regular-season games.
Upcoming Challenges and Playoff Aspirations for the Aces
With nine games remaining in the regular season, the Las Vegas Aces are focused on maximizing their wins as they push toward the postseason. Their next game takes place Tuesday at Michelob ULTRA Arena, where they will face the Atlanta Dream. The continued contributions from NaLyssa Smith and the leadership of players like A’ja Wilson will be crucial if the Aces hope to advance further in the playoff standings.