A’ja Wilson Leads Aces to Victory Over Sparks and Playoff Seeding
Sports correspondent: Imran Sohail
LAS VEGAS: A’ja Wilson recorded 18 points and 10 rebounds as the Las Vegas Aces defeated the Los Angeles Sparks 89-79 on Tuesday to secure at least the No. 3 seed in the WNBA playoffs.
The victory extended Las Vegas’ winning streak to six games and improved its record to 30-13. The Aces will have home-court advantage in the opening round of the playoffs, which are scheduled to begin Sunday.
If the current standings remain unchanged, Las Vegas would meet the No. 6-seeded Washington Mystics, who are 27-16, in a best-of-three first-round series.
Chelsea Gray contributed 17 points for the Aces, while Stephanie Talbot and Jackie Young scored 14 points each. Young also provided 11 assists.
Nneka Ogwumike led Los Angeles with 17 points, while Erica Wheeler added 16. The Sparks fell to 16-27 following the defeat.
Las Vegas established control early with a 15-point scoring run in the opening quarter, taking a 17-5 lead. Los Angeles responded with an 11-point run in the second period to reduce the deficit to 35-29.
The Sparks stayed within reach for much of the game, but could not complete the comeback. The Aces regained a comfortable advantage with a 10-point run in the third quarter, moving ahead 63-45.
Before the game, the Aces honoured Ogwumike, an eight-time All-Star and 2016 WNBA MVP, with a bouquet of flowers. She also received a standing ovation from the home crowd.
Ogwumike announced on August 19 that she plans to retire after the current season. She also serves as president of the WNBA players’ union.
Los Angeles was without Dearica Hamby and Cameron Brink due to injuries. Hamby, who previously played for the Aces organisation from 2015 to 2022, averages 14.4 points and 7.0 rebounds per game. Brink, selected second overall in the 2024 WNBA Draft, averages 9.5 points and 5.0 rebounds.
