Aces Fall Short to Sparks Despite Big Nights from Young and Gray
The Las Vegas Aces dropped to 4-4 on the season Wednesday night after a hard fought 97-89 loss to the Los Angeles Sparks at Michelob ULTRA Arena. Despite trailing by as many as 20, the Aces never stopped fighting cutting the deficit to single digits multiple times but couldn’t quite close the gap down the stretch.
Jackie Young was in full attack mode, tying her career high with 34 points and adding 8 rebounds. She led all scorers and nearly single handedly kept Vegas in it during the fourth, putting up 12 of her points in the final frame. Chelsea Gray also delivered a season high 28 points, including four threes, and showed her veteran presence in key stretches.
Wilson Exits Early with Injury
A’ja Wilson exited the game late in the third quarter after taking a hit to the head. She still managed to put up a solid 13 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, 4 blocks, and 2 steals in 27 minutes. The Aces announced that Wilson will be further evaluated, and an update is expected Thursday. The injury paused what was shaping up to be another classic all around A’ja performance.
Early Hole Proved Costly
The Aces started with energy, opening on a 9-2 run, but the Sparks stormed back with five first quarter threes including three straight from Rickea Jackson turning momentum fast. L.A. finished the quarter shooting nearly 80% from the field, while the Aces hit just 26.3%. Chelsea Gray tried to steady the ship with 7 points in the quarter, but it wasn’t enough to offset L.A.’s shooting spree.
Second-Quarter Push
Vegas found life again in the second, cutting what had been a 20 point lead down to single digits, thanks to a 14-3 run sparked by Jackie Young. Stevens scored 11 of her 19 in the second for the Sparks, but the Aces found better rhythm on both ends to keep things within reach at the half, trailing 50-41.
Third-Quarter Grit
The Aces came out of the locker room looking locked in. Wilson dropped 8 points in a strong stretch, and a Gray three with 3:11 left brought Vegas to within 4. Unfortunately, that was as close as they’d get. A late quarter push by L.A., including a Rickea Jackson jumper, pushed the lead back to six heading into the final frame.
Momentum Slips Away Late
Young kept her foot on the gas in the fourth, but the Aces couldn’t overcome the Sparks efficient shooting. Vegas hit just 1-of-9 from three in the quarter and couldn’t find consistent stops to close the gap. The Sparks closed strong, shooting 72.7% in the fourth to seal the win.
By the Numbers:
Jackie Young: 34 PTS (career-high tie), 8 REB
Chelsea Gray: 28 PTS (season-high), 4 3PM
A’ja Wilson: 13 PTS, 8 REB, 5 AST, 4 BLK, 2 STL (left in 3Q)
Aces shot 37.5% FG and 25.7% 3PT, compared to Sparks’ 56.9% FG and 45% 3PT
Outscored 44-32 in the paint and 10-7 in second-chance points
Vegas had just 12 team assists on 27 made shots
The Aces did win the fast-break battle, 14-8
Roster Update: Aces Sign Joyner Holmes, Waive Crystal Bradford
Before tip-off, the Aces made a pair of roster moves. The team announced the signing of 6-3 forward Joyner Holmes, a five year WNBA veteran who previously spent time with Las Vegas during the 2021 season. Holmes brings toughness, length, and versatility to the Aces frontcourt, having played for New York, Connecticut, Los Angeles, and Seattle.
Holmes recently played overseas in Greece for Athinaikos, where she averaged 15.3 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.3 assists helping lead her squad to the 2025 Greek League Finals. A standout at the University of Texas, Holmes averaged 11.1 points and 7.5 rebounds over her college career and is a two time medalist with USA Basketball. She’s expected to bring depth and experience to a frontcourt that could use support with Wilson’s status uncertain.
To make room for the signing, the Aces waived forward Crystal Bradford.
Wilson’s Historic Chase
Even with the injury, Wilson extended her double digit scoring streak to 59 straight games, the longest active run in the league and the seventh-longest in WNBA history. With 13 points tonight, she now sits at 4,949 career points, just 51 away from the 5,000 mark. If she reaches that milestone in the next few games, she could become the fastest and second youngest player to ever do it.
What’s Next:
The Aces continue their homestand Friday, June 13, against the Dallas Wings (1-10). Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. PT and will be broadcast nationally on ION. With Wilson’s availability in question, expect Las Vegas to lean heavily on Young, Gray, and newly added Holmes to bounce back.