The Aces Are Back Home : Preseason vs. Japan
The Las Vegas Aces opened their 2026 preseason at Michelob Ultra Arena tonight and did exactly what champions do they handled business. Six players in double figures. A dominant second half. And one player who made sure everybody in that building knew her name.
Final score: Aces 94, Japan 78.
Chennedy Carter stole the show
Photo Credit: Marcell Gordon
18 points. Team high. In her first game as an Ace. I told y'all she could ball.
Carter was aggressive, explosive, and completely locked in doing damage offensively and doing the little things too, finishing with five rebounds and a block. She even talked about reading what the team needed in the moment. "I seen that they weren't boxing out. So I've seen if I came in, I could crash just doing the little things." That's a basketball player right there.
Chelsea Gray already loves what she sees. "She's fast as hell. It's a luxury, dynamic guard I'm excited to have her."
And Chennedy on being an Ace? "We have Olympians on our team. Some of the greatest players and scorers in the world. It's honestly an honor. They have embraced me and made me feel comfortable. I'm really happy here."
That's all I needed to hear.
The veterans handled their business
Jackie Young dropped 17 points and four assists . Chelsea Gray added 16 points and ran the offense with zero drama because that's just what Chelsea Gray does. Jewell Loyd chipped in 13 and looked more and more comfortable . Kierstan Bell came off the bench for 14. NaLyssa Smith posted the game's only double-double and was physical all night.
Photo Credit: Marcell Gordon
Becky Hammon's message was clear
Defense and physicality won this game in the second half. Hammon spent all of 2025 harping on defense and she hasn't stopped. There were 12 turnovers to clean up but the intensity was there. "This is probably one of the most talented groups I've ever had, from top to bottom," Hammon said. "We have a lot of excitement about the possibilities of what this year could bring."
One more preseason game May 3 at Dallas, then the real thing begins May 9 against Phoenix ring ceremony included. Her Game Network will be courtside.
Final: Las Vegas Aces 94, Japan 78
Box score highlights
Chennedy Carter: 18 PTS, 5 REB
Jackie Young: 17 PTS, 4 AST
Chelsea Gray: 16 PTS
Kierstan Bell: 14 PTS
Jewell Loyd: 13 PTS
NaLyssa Smith: 11 PTS, double-double
A'ja Wilson: DNP