Aces High — Las Vegas Shoots the Lights Out to Burn the Sparks
Aces High — Las Vegas Shoots the Lights Out to Burn the Sparks
LOS ANGELES — If the Las Vegas Aces were feeling any hangover from their 33-point season-opening blowout loss to Phoenix on Saturday, they certainly didn’t show it on Sunday. The defending champions walked into Crypto.com Arena and put on an absolute clinic, shooting a blistering 62% from the field to dismantle the Los Angeles Sparks 105-78.
For the Sparks, who entered the season promising a "different" defensive identity, the night was a sobering reminder that effort on that end isn't something you "gel" into—it's something you do or you don't.
The Carter and Young Connection
While the stars usually steal the headlines, it was Chennedy Carter and Jackie Young who fueled the engine on Sunday. Carter, playing her first WNBA game since 2024, looked like she never left, dropping a team-high 22 points. Young was equally dominant, carving up the LA defense for 20 points and nine assists. When those two are humming, the Aces’ offense transitions from "good" to "unstoppable."
A’ja Reaches Rare Air
A’ja Wilson was her usual steady self, putting up 19 points and four rebounds. In the process, she etched her name further into the history books, reaching 2,500 career rebounds in just 269 games. That ties her with the legendary Lisa Leslie for the third-fastest to reach that milestone in WNBA history. She continues to prove that even on a "quiet" night, she’s doing legendary work.
Key Takeaways
Third Quarter Blitz: The Sparks actually clawed back to within one point at halftime (42-41) thanks to a surge led by Kelsey Plum (27 points). But the Aces slammed the door in the third quarter, outscoring LA 33-18 while shooting a ridiculous 73.7% in the period.
The Return of Nneka: Nneka Ogwumike returned to the Sparks after two seasons away and showed why she’s still a force, logging 19 points and 10 rebounds. However, she was blunt about the team's defensive failures: "Defense is not something that gels. You either want to do it or you don’t."
Turnover Trouble: Los Angeles coughed up the ball 19 times, leading to 26 easy points for Las Vegas. You can’t give the defending champs extra possessions when they’re shooting 62% from the floor.
Waiting on the Rook: The Sparks need more from reserve center Cameron Brink, who struggled with foul trouble and was held scoreless in just eight minutes of action.
The Stats
Player Points Notable
Chennedy Carter (LVA) 22 Season-high in return to WNBA
Jackie Young (LVA) 20 9 Assists
Kelsey Plum (LAS) 27 11 Points in the 4th Quarter
Nneka Ogwumike (LAS) 19 10 Rebounds in return to LA
The Bottom Line: Las Vegas responded to its opening-day loss with a performance that bordered on basketball perfection. For the Sparks, the defensive questions remain, and they don’t have much time to find answers—Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever are coming to town on Wednesday.
Up Next: The Aces head to Connecticut for a two-game set starting Wednesday, while the Sparks host the Fever.
