The Las Vegas Aces couldn’t have asked for a stronger start to the 2025 postseason. In front of a sellout crowd of 10,407 inside Michelob ULTRA Arena, the defending champs took care of business, beating the Seattle Storm 102-77 to grab a 1-0 series lead in the best of three quarterfinals. The win also extended the Aces franchise record winning streak to 17 games now the second longest streak in WNBA history.

Setting the Tone Early

From the opening tip, it was clear Las Vegas came to dominate. Jackie Young’s steal that led to an A’ja Wilson bucket just 30 seconds in set the tone for the night. The Aces came out hitting 8 of their first 11 shots while the defense swarmed Seattle, forcing turnovers and turning them into quick points.

By the end of the first quarter, the Aces led 22-12, shooting 60% from the field. Wilson had 8 points in the opening frame, Jewell Loyd knocked down some early buckets, and the defense had already piled up 4 blocks and 6 points off turnovers. Seattle never led once in the game.

A’ja Wilson Makes History

A’ja Wilson’s postseason dominance continued in a big way. She put up 29 points, 8 rebounds, 3 steals, and 2 blocks in just 30 minutes. Along the way, she made history yet again:

Moved into 10th all-time in WNBA playoff scoring with 878 career points, passing Deanna Nolan and Angel McCoughtry.
Passed Lisa Leslie to move into 5th all-time in playoff rebounds (348).
Notched her 22nd career 20 point playoff game, tying her with Deanna Nolan for 7th on the all-time list.

It’s another reminder that A’ja isn’t just building her own legacy she’s carving her name right alongside the greatest to ever play the game.

NaLyssa Smith Steps Up

While Wilson grabbed the headlines, NaLyssa Smith quietly played one of the most important roles of the night. In her first playoff game as an Ace, Smith finished with 11 points, 9 rebounds, and maybe the most impressive stat zero fouls in 25 minutes of physical playoff basketball.

Becky Hammon made a point postgame to highlight Smith’s impact, especially on the defensive end. Her presence alongside A’ja has given Vegas a stronger frontcourt look, letting Wilson roam more freely while still protecting the paint. Smith’s discipline and energy are proving to be exactly what the Aces need to make another title run.

Balanced Attack Behind Her

Wilson had plenty of help. Jackie Young was everywhere, scoring 18 points while adding 7 assists, 5 rebounds, and 4 steals. Jewell Loyd poured in 14 points, Dana Evans was huge off the bench with 13 points and 6 assists, and NaLyssa Smith nearly had a double-double with 11 points and 9 rebounds.

Chelsea Gray didn’t have a big scoring night, but she still managed 6 assists and 3 steals, moving her up the all-time playoff steals list past Diana Taurasi. Cheyenne Parker-Tyus gave valuable minutes, scoring 7 points in just under 11 minutes of play.

The Aces shot a blistering 50.7% from the field and 48.3% from three, while also winning the rebounding battle 39-35 and dominating second chance points 12-2.

Seattle’s Effort Falls Short

To their credit, the Storm had five players score in double figures. Gabby Williams led with 16 points, Skylar Diggins added 12, and Dominique Malonga recorded the game’s only double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds. But every time Seattle tried to put a run together, the Aces had an answer.

Seattle shot just 43.7% from the field and committed 13 turnovers, which turned into 21 Las Vegas points.

Chasing History

With the win, the Aces improved their franchise playoff record to 37-40 in their 17th postseason appearance. The 17 game winning streak is now the second longest in league history, trailing only the 18-game streaks by the Los Angeles Sparks in 2001 and again spanning 2002–2003.

That puts Las Vegas just one win away from tying yet another WNBA record and two away from owning it outright.

What’s Next

Vegas is playing its best basketball at the perfect time. The streak, the history, and the hunger for another championship all collide right here and Sunday night was just the beginning.

The Aces now travel to Seattle for Game 2 on Tuesday, September 16, with tip set for 6:30 p.m. PT on ESPN. A win would close out the series and push Las Vegas into the semifinals with even more momentum.

Aces Keep Rolling: Las Vegas Opens Playoffs With Statement Win Over Seattle