The Last Home Game of the Regular Season | 89-79 Win Over Sparks | Home Court Clinched
There are games you cover for the final score. And then there are games you cover for what they mean.
Tuesday night at Michelob Ultra Arena was Fan Appreciation Night the last regular season home game of the 2026 Las Vegas Aces season. And when those doors opened and that crowd filed in, it was the 68th consecutive sellout at The House. Sixty-eight. Without a single break. Through wins and losses and injuries and overtime games and blowouts and nail-biters this city has shown up every single time.
The Aces beat the Los Angeles Sparks 89-79. They clinched home court advantage for the first round of the playoffs. They finished the regular season home slate at 30-13.
But the number that mattered most tonight wasn't on the scoreboard. It was 68.
A'ja Wilson and Jackie Young closed out The House in style
On a night where the Aces needed to take care of business and head into the playoffs with the right energy, Wilson and Young did exactly what this team has been doing all season showed up and delivered.
Wilson finished with 18 points and 10 rebounds her latest double-double in a season that has been nothing short of historical. She controlled the game from the interior the way only she can, made her free throws, and gave this crowd one last regular season look at the best player in the world doing what she does best.
Young added 14 points and a game-high 11 assists her playmaking on full display in the final regular season home game, finding teammates in rhythm, pushing the pace, and doing all the things that make her worth every dollar of that contract. Eleven assists. In a game where the Aces could have simply managed the win, Young was creating and distributing like the playoffs started tonight.
Chelsea Gray and Stephanie Talbot were outstanding
Gray had 17 points the kind of quiet, efficient, beautiful performance that defines her. She has been the backbone of this offense all season and Fan Appreciation Night was no different. Seventeen points in what felt like no effort at all because that's just Chelsea Gray operating at her level.
Talbot matched Young's 14 points and added a game-high 3 steals a complete two-way performance from a player who has given this team everything she has all season long. When Talbot is active defensively this team looks different and Tuesday night she was everywhere.
Jewell Loyd chipped in 9 points and Brianna Turner provided energy
The depth that has carried this team through injuries and back-to-backs and brutal road stretches showed up one last time at The House this regular season. Every player who stepped on that floor Tuesday night contributed to a win that meant something beyond the standings.
This was about more than the game
I want to step back from the box score for a moment because Fan Appreciation Night deserves that.
This Aces organization has built something in Las Vegas that didn't exist before. Four years ago this city didn't have a sports team that resonated the way the Aces do. Now 68 consecutive sellouts. A fan base that comes dressed, loud, and invested in every single possession. A community that has adopted A'ja Wilson as their own and watches Chelsea Gray run the offense like they've been students of the game their entire lives.
The standing ovation this team got when the starters were announced Tuesday night wasn't just for the 2026 season. It was for everything the championships, the records, the access this organization has given to this city. Her Game Network has been credentialed for this team all season and I want to say from the bottom of my heart covering this team in this building in front of this crowd has been one of the greatest privileges of my career as a journalist.
68 sellouts. This city never left.
Home court is clinched. The playoffs start now.
The Aces finish the regular season 30-13. They have home court advantage in the first round. Michelob Ultra Arena is going to be electric for playoff basketball and this team with Wilson healthy, Young on a tear, Gray steady as ever, and a bench that has contributed all season is built for this moment.
Coach Becky Hammon has been here before. This roster has been here before. The crowd has been here before. And every time the Aces have walked into the playoffs in this era they have walked out as champions.
The dynasty doesn't feel finished. Not even close.
Her Game Network will be at The House for every playoff game. We've covered this team all season. We'll be there when it ends.
However it ends.
Final: Las Vegas Aces 89, Los Angeles Sparks 79
The numbers
A'ja Wilson: 18 PTS, 10 REB — double-double
Chelsea Gray: 17 PTS
Jackie Young: 14 PTS, 11 AST
Stephanie Talbot: 14 PTS, 3 STL
Jewell Loyd: 9 PTS
68th consecutive sellout at Michelob Ultra Arena
Home court advantage clinched for first round of playoffs
Aces regular season record: 30-13