The decisive moment
The Las Vegas Aces seized control early and never relinquished it, taking the lead for good midway through the second quarter with 10 minutes left on the clock. From there, A'ja Wilson and the visitors steadily pulled away, closing out a 91-81 win at Golden State on Sunday in 2026 WNBA Regular Season action. The Valkyries kept it within reach but could never recapture the front.
By the numbers
- A'ja Wilson (Las Vegas): 28 PTS, 15 REB, 4 AST
- Jackie Young (Las Vegas): 23 PTS, 7 REB, 9 AST
- NaLyssa Smith (Las Vegas): 15 PTS, 9 REB
- Gabby Williams (Golden State): 20 PTS, 4 REB
- Final margin: 10 points (91-81)
Wilson's 28-and-15 double-double anchored the night, while Young narrowly missed a triple-double with nine assists.
What it means
This was a measured, professional road performance for Las Vegas, the kind that travels well over a long season. The Aces leaned on their stars without needing a frantic comeback, controlling tempo after grabbing the early edge. For Golden State, Williams' 20 points gave them a scoring focal point, but the home side struggled to match Las Vegas' interior production and rebounding on the night.
What to watch next
The Valkyries will look to tighten their defense around the paint, where Wilson and NaLyssa Smith combined for 24 rebounds, while monitoring the status of the day-to-day Alanna Smith. For Las Vegas, the challenge is sustaining this brand of efficient, balanced basketball as the 2026 schedule rolls on.