Aces Ride Rollercoaster Weekend: Seattle Heartbreak Followed by Fever Redemption
The Las Vegas Aces are in the thick of figuring out exactly who they are this season and this past weekend showed both sides of that journey. From an emotional welcome home to a hard-fought loss and a powerful bounce back win, it was a weekend full of highs, lows, and reminders of how special this team and this fanbase really is.
Friday: A’ja Returns, Jackie Shines, But Seattle Steals It Late
The Aces were right there.
After holding an 11 point lead in the third and getting big time performances from A’ja Wilson and Jackie Young, Las Vegas just couldn’t hold off a second-half surge from the Seattle Storm, falling 90–83 at Michelob ULTRA Arena.
But before tipoff, emotions were already high.
The Aces welcomed Alysha Clark back to Las Vegas with a heartfelt tribute video that played on the jumbotron. It was a beautiful moment one that had fans on their feet, AC visibly emotional, and more than a few tears being wiped away in the crowd. The love from the fans was deep and real. Vegas still misses AC dearly.
Once the game tipped off, A’ja Wilson made her return to the court after a three-game absence due to concussion protocol. She didn’t skip a beat, recording her 104th career double-double with 20 points and 14 rebounds. She’s now just 31 points away from becoming the fastest player in WNBA history to reach 5,000 career points.
Jackie Young was electric, dropping a team high 22 points with four threes, helping the Aces take a 45–38 halftime lead.
Rookie Aaliyah Nye gave a much needed spark off the bench, tying her career high with 13 points, including three huge triples.
But Seattle found a way. Nneka Ogwumike (25 points, 12 boards) and Skylar Diggins (24 points) ignited a late third quarter run that flipped the momentum. The Aces, despite shooting 57.9% from three their best mark of the season couldn’t close it out, going cold in the fourth with only nine shot attempts and key turnovers down the stretch.
Quick Stats from Friday:
Outrebounded Seattle 37–30
Outscored Storm in points off turnovers 13–9
Shot better from the field (47.5% vs. 46.5%)
Chelsea Gray moved to No. 7 on WNBA’s all-time assist list
Jackie Young hit her 22nd straight free throw
A’ja’s double-figure scoring streak reached 60 games (longest active)
Sunday: Aces Snap Skid Behind Wilson’s 24, Rally to Beat Fever
Sunday’s game wasn’t just about basketball it was about family.
Before the Aces tipped off against the Indiana Fever, the franchise paid tribute to the heart and soul of Las Vegas Sydney Colson. In true Syd fashion, the moment was joyful, emotional, and unforgettable. A tribute video played celebrating her impact both on and off the court. Fans welcomed her with overwhelming love, standing in ovation, many in tears. It was clear: Vegas still holds her close. And Sydney felt it.
Then came the game and the Aces brought the fire.
After dropping three straight, Las Vegas snapped the skid with a gritty 89–81 win at T-Mobile Arena in front of another sellout crowd of 18,547. And they did it the hard way coming from behind.
Indiana came out swinging. Behind Aliyah Boston’s dominance (26 points, 10 rebounds), the Fever took a 42–36 halftime lead. A’ja Wilson struggled in the first half, going 2-for-13 from the field. But in true MVP fashion, she regrouped scoring 10 of her 24 points in the fourth quarter.
Jackie Young (19 PTS, 7 REB, 5 AST) continued her steady leadership, and Chelsea Gray added 18 on an efficient 8-of-12 shooting night.
And once again, it was Aaliyah Nye who sparked the comeback. Her clutch three pointer early in the fourth gave Vegas its first lead since the opening minutes and ignited a 24–14 game closing run. Nye finished with 11 points, hitting 3-of-5 from deep, and brought the energy exactly when Vegas needed it most.
Photo Credit: Eric Nguyen
Key Stats from Sunday:
Field Goals: Aces 45.1% | Fever 48.6%
Three Point Shooting: Aces 30% | Fever 26.1%
Free Throws: Aces 90.5% (19-21)
Points Off Turnovers: Aces 28 | Fever 16
Bench Points: Aces 18 | Fever 2
Despite being outscored in the paint and on the glass, Vegas forced 18 turnovers and made the most of every mistake Indiana gave them.
Milestone Watch:
A’ja Wilson is now just 7 points away from 5,000 on pace to become the fastest player in WNBA history to reach that mark (237 games).
Wilson is close to becoming just the 6th player in league history with 5,000 PTS / 2,000 REB / 500 AST / 400 BLK / 200 STL.
Jackie Young is now 75 points from 3,000 career points and has hit 29 straight free throws.
Chelsea Gray is 27 assists away from tying Becky Hammon for 6th all-time.
What’s Next:
No rest for the champs. The Aces enter their first back-to-back of the season this week:
Wednesday, June 25 vs. Connecticut Sun (7 PM PT)
Thursday, June 26 vs. Washington Mystics (7 PM PT)
Both games at Michelob ULTRA Arena, airing on Vegas 34.
Final Thoughts:
From emotional reunions to gritty wins, this weekend reminded everyone what makes Las Vegas special. The fans showed up, the players delivered, and the love in the building was unforgettable.
The Aces are still building, still grinding, and with A’ja on the verge of history and the team beginning to click, there’s no better time to believe.
Vegas still loves its own and this team is far from done.