The Version of the Aces the League Fears Showed Up Against Golden State

LAS VEGAS —The Las Vegas Aces have been one of the WNBA's best teams all season, but their defensive focus has occasionally fluctuated. When the attention to detail slips, even briefly, the Aces can look vulnerable. When it doesn't, they look like a championship team capable of overwhelming anyone in front of them.

On Sunday afternoon, the latter version showed up.

Behind a dominant defensive effort, balanced offensive production, and contributions throughout the rotation, the Aces cruised to a 92-73 victory over the Golden State Valkyries at Michelob ULTRA Arena. While the final margin was impressive, the performance itself felt even more significant. Golden State entered the afternoon as one of the league's most dangerous three-point shooting teams, but Las Vegas never allowed the Valkyries to become comfortable offensively. Every rotation seemed to arrive on time, every closeout carried purpose, and every attempt by Golden State to establish momentum was quickly answered.

The Valkyries finished the game shooting just 5-for-30 from three-point range, a franchise-low 16.7 percent from beyond the arc. More importantly, the Aces took away the very thing that has fueled much of Golden State's success this season. For a team that entered the game among the league leaders in three-point shooting and three-pointers made, the Valkyries rarely found the clean looks they have become accustomed to generating. Las Vegas dictated the terms of engagement from the defensive end and never allowed Golden State's identity to take hold.

That defensive intensity became the foundation for the game's decisive stretch. After Golden State briefly gained momentum in the second quarter, Las Vegas responded with the type of run championship teams produce when they sense an opportunity to take control. The Aces closed the half on a 21-2 run, holding the Valkyries without a field goal over the final 6:35 of the quarter while turning defensive stops into efficient offense. By halftime, what had been a competitive game had become a 20-point advantage, and the Aces never allowed Golden State back within striking distance.

Jackie Young once again demonstrated why she remains one of the most complete players in the league. Young finished with a game-high 21 points and five assists, but her impact extended well beyond the box score. Whether attacking gaps in the defense, creating opportunities for teammates, or making the extra pass, Young consistently made winning plays and helped set the tone for the Aces on both ends of the floor.

Chelsea Gray was equally instrumental in controlling the game. The veteran guard finished with 15 points and nine assists while orchestrating one of Las Vegas' most efficient offensive performances of the season. Gray never appeared rushed, consistently manipulating defensive coverages and putting teammates in positions to succeed. When the Aces are operating at their best, much of it starts with Gray's ability to dictate pace and create order, and Sunday's performance served as another reminder of why she remains one of the league's premier floor generals.

NaLyssa Smith continued what has quietly become one of the most encouraging developments of the season for Las Vegas. Smith scored 14 points on an ultra-efficient 6-of-7 shooting performance while once again showcasing the athleticism that makes her such a natural fit alongside A'ja Wilson. Whether running the floor in transition, finishing around the basket, or creating matchup problems with her mobility, Smith consistently found ways to impact the game without requiring a high volume of touches. Her efficiency and versatility have added another dimension to an already dangerous Aces offense.

The victory was also a reflection of the work Becky Hammon has done while navigating a roster that remains short-handed. Dana Evans continues to work her way back, while Chennedy Carter has missed time due to illness after already showing flashes of why the Aces viewed her as such an important addition. Carter's ability to create offense, pressure defenses, and provide another dynamic scoring option was expected to be a major piece of Las Vegas' plans this season.

Yet despite those absences, the Aces have continued to find ways to win.

"It's just next woman up mentality," Hammon said after the game.

Hammon pointed specifically to Brianna "Breezy" Turner, who did not score but still finished plus-17 while helping anchor one of the team's strongest defensive performances of the season.

"There's so many more ways you can impact a game than just scoring," Hammon said. "She's a great example of just being a star in her role anytime I put her in there. She's ready to rock and roll, especially on the defensive end."

That mentality has helped the Aces maintain their standard despite missing key contributors, and help may soon be on the way. Hammon said Carter will likely be more available this week as Las Vegas prepares for games against New York and Dallas, while Evans has begun ramping up her return program and could return before the end of the month.

"It just makes us that much more dangerous when we do get healthy," Hammon said. "Because right now, it is thin. It's thin for us."

The Liberty await on Tuesday in one of the most anticipated matchups of the season. But before turning their attention to New York, the Aces delivered a reminder to the rest of the league. When their defense is connected, their veterans are controlling the game, and role players are thriving in their assignments, Las Vegas remains capable of reaching a level few teams can match.

Against Golden State, the version of the Aces the league fears showed up.

The Final Cut

The Aces have spent most of the season proving they can win. Against Golden State, they reminded everyone how they win at their best. Defense created offense, veterans controlled the pace, and role players embraced their assignments. Even while shorthanded, Las Vegas looked organized, connected, and relentless. The Valkyries entered the game with one of the league’s most dangerous perimeter attacks. They left with a reminder that when the Aces are locked in defensively, very few teams can play their preferred style.

The league fears Las Vegas when everything clicks. Sunday was a reminder why.