The Las Vegas Aces edged the Dallas Wings 88-82 on Monday night at College Park Center, with A'ja Wilson leading the way with 26 points and 11 rebounds. The Aces improved to 10-3 on the season, while Dallas fell to 8-5. The win gives Las Vegas a strong statement in the Western Conference race as the Commissioner's Cup group stage intensifies.
The Aces leaned on their veteran leadership and elite offensive execution to control the tempo. A'ja Wilson was unstoppable in the paint, finishing with 26 points and 11 rebounds. Jackie Young added 18 points and five assists, while Chelsea Gray chipped in with 10 points and seven assists. The trio combined for 54 of Las Vegas' 88 points.
Dallas was led by Arike Ogunbowale, who poured in 22 points and dished out four assists. Jessica Shepard recorded her 10th double-double of the season with 14 points and 10 rebounds. Rookie Azzi Fudd also made an impact defensively, holding the Aces' backcourt in check on several key possessions. The Wings outrebounded the Aces 42-38 and had a 48-44 advantage in field goal percentage.
The game turned in the fourth quarter when the Aces' transition game clicked. Las Vegas forced five Dallas turnovers in the final frame and converted them into 14 points. A key sequence came with 4:32 remaining when Young hit a three-pointer to put the Aces up 82-76. The Wings responded with a 6-2 run, but Wilson answered with a driving layup to restore a four-point lead with 1:22 left.
Las Vegas' bench also played a crucial role, with players like Kelsey Plum (12 points) and Riquna Williams (8 points, 6 rebounds) contributing off the pine. The Aces shot 48.2% from the field and held Dallas to 44.5%, including a 32.3% mark from three-point range.
This win moves Las Vegas into a tie for first in the Western Conference. The Aces will look to build on the momentum when they face the Seattle Storm on Wednesday in a crucial matchup. Dallas, meanwhile, will aim to regroup at home against the Chicago Sky on Thursday. Both teams are in the thick of the playoff picture and will need strong performances in the coming weeks to secure a top seed.
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