Las Vegas Aces Bounce Back in Dominant Win as Chennedy Carter Begins Writing Her Next Chapter

The Las Vegas Aces looked much more like themselves Sunday afternoon.

After opening the season with a loss, Las Vegas responded with a commanding 105-78 victory over the Los Angeles Sparks behind efficient offense, improved defensive intensity, and balanced scoring throughout the lineup.

Five Aces scored in double figures in the win, led by Chennedy Carter’s 22 points. Jackie Young added 20 points and 9 assists, while A'ja Wilson finished with 19 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal and 2 blocks. Chelsea Gray contributed 16 points and 5 assists, and NaLyssa Smith chipped in 12 points, 6 rebounds and 2 blocked shots.

Las Vegas shot 62.3 percent from the field, the second-best regular season field goal percentage in franchise history, while recording 28 assists and 10 blocks

The Aces established control early, jumping out to a 29-14 lead after the first quarter. Although Los Angeles trimmed the deficit to one point by halftime, Las Vegas responded with a dominant third quarter, outscoring the Sparks 33-18 while shooting 73.7 percent from the floor in the period.

Carter played a major role in that stretch, scoring seven third-quarter points and consistently attacking downhill within the flow of the offense.

Her ability to settle into the Aces’ system has quickly become one of the team’s biggest storylines early in the season.

Following the game, Carter reflected on the opportunity Las Vegas has provided her and the process of rebuilding her journey.

“I think it’s really early in my career,” Carter said. “I think I have a lot to show and I think I haven’t done the things that I want to do.”

Carter also spoke candidly about embracing every stage of her career path.

“I remember coach saying, each year you have to start at the bottom of the mountain, and that’s kind of how I feel,” Carter said. “I’ve been at the top of the mountain. been in the middle, and I’ve been at the bottom, and I’m okay with being at the bottom and climbing my way back up to the top.”

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 10: A'ja Wilson #22 of the Las Vegas Aces attempts a basket during the first half of their game against the Los Angeles Sparks at Crypto.com Arena on May 10, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Luiza Moraes/Getty Images)

The former All-Rookie guard believes her best basketball is still ahead of her.

“I feel I’m one of the best scorers in the world, and I’m just accepting the process,” Carter said. “I know it’s taking slow, but I’m trusting God, trusting my skills and my talent, and in the future, you guys will be able to see more Chennedy Carter.”

While Carter’s offensive talent has long been recognized, her defensive effort also stood out Sunday as Las Vegas forced 19 Sparks turnovers and turned them into 26 points.

Defense is clearly an area Carter wants to continue emphasizing this season as she works to establish herself within a veteran championship roster.

The Aces themselves looked far more connected defensively after their season opener, something Gray said was helped by the quick turnaround of a back-to-back.

“Because of the loss, we have an opportunity right there in front of us to kind of, um, clear our mind and then we have to flip the page super quick,” Gray said. “While I don’t like back-to-backs, this one was kind of nice to kind of flip the page and play again.”

Gray said the team’s chemistry and experience helped steady the group after the opening loss.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 10: Chelsea Gray #12 of the Las Vegas Aces drives to the basket during the first half of their game against the Los Angeles Sparks at Crypto.com Arena on May 10, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Luiza Moraes/Getty Images)

“I think it also plays on our experience in how we’ve been playing together for a long period of time, and then we sprinkle new people in,” Gray said. “We have vets on this team, including myself, and we have people that’s experienced a lot at a young age.”

That trust and confidence showed throughout Sunday’s performance, particularly during the decisive second-half run.

“We fall back on the confidence, the chemistry that we’ve created over the years,” Gray said. “And when you’re wearing an Aces uniform, you’re selected to be there for a reason.”

Las Vegas also saw another historic milestone from Wilson, who became the fastest and youngest player in WNBA history to record at least 5,500 career points and 2,500 rebounds. Wilson reached the mark in just 269 games.

Meanwhile, Young moved closer to passing Becky Hammon for third on the franchise all-time scoring list, needing just 31 more points to do so.

The Aces will now continue their four-game road trip with two games against the Connecticut Sun before facing the Atlanta Dream on May 17.