Battle in the Paint | Aces vs Sparks
This one's getting physical down low. The Aces roll into LA leading the league in paint scoring at 46.8 points per game inside and A'ja Wilson is the engine. She's averaging 13.5 paint points per game on her own (second in the WNBA), with Chennedy Carter adding another 9.5. They're coming for a Sparks defense giving up 41.0 points in the paint per game, fourth-worst in the league. That's not a defense that's an invitation.
The perimeter story is a different conversation, though, because Kelsey Plum won't be there to have it. The league's leading scorer (26.8 ppg) has been out since May 26, and LA will be without her tonight. That stings even more given what she did the last time these teams met Plum dropped a season-high 38 in LA's 101-95 win on May 23. Without her, the Sparks are leaning on Cameron Brink (59.1% from the floor) and Nneka Ogwumike to carry the load up front.
Milestone Watch
Two Aces are knocking on the door tonight:
Chelsea Gray needs just 6 points to become only the fourth player in WNBA history to reach 4,500+ points, 1,000+ rebounds, 1,500+ assists, and 100+ blocks. That's an absurd combination of stats. Four players. Ever.
A'ja Wilson needs 5 blocks to pass Tammy Sutton-Brown for No. 8 on the all-time blocks list 6 gets her past Tangela Smith into the No. 7 spot. She's been on a quiet tear through the record books all season.
Things to Watch
The Aces are shooting a franchise record 49.1% from the field and leading the league with 35.0 made field goals per game. The efficiency is real. The three point shooting, though? Still not clicking. Las Vegas is averaging just 20.8 attempts from deep fourth lowest in the league. For a team that can usually shoot it, that number needs to move.
Free throws could swing this game. The Aces are near the bottom of the league in attempts (18.6 per game) and shooting just 73.8% second worst. The good news: the Sparks are the most undisciplined team in the league at the rim, fouling opponents at a league high rate of 26.3 free throw attempts allowed per game. Las Vegas has to take advantage of that.
NaLyssa Smith is having a quietly great season. She's leading the WNBA with a 71.7% field goal percentage best in the league and is scoring 11.5 points per game, her best output since 2023. She's taking fewer shots, but she's making the right ones.
And keep an eye on Steph Talbot. After logging just 13 minutes a game over a three game stretch, she went for 32 minutes against Golden State with season highs across the board 10 points, 7 boards, 4 assists. She's ready for a bigger role, and tonight's a good night for it against LA's length.
Up Next
After tonight, the Aces are back home at Michelob ULTRA Arena:
Saturday, June 6 vs. Golden State Valkyries — 12 p.m. (ABC)
Monday, June 8 vs. Seattle Storm — 7 p.m. (USA / The Spot-Vegas 34)