Wilson's 27, Young's 21 Lift Aces Over Short-Handed Tempo
Source: ABC News Sports. Casualplayhub News adds summary, context, and editorial framing while linking back to the original report.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia -- A'ja Wilson once again proved why she is the league's most unstoppable force, posting 27 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists to guide the Las Vegas Aces to an 88-78 win over the Toronto Tempo on Sunday night. The victory pulled the Aces within half a game of the second-place Golden State Valkyries in the WNBA standings, tightening the race for playoff positioning.
Jackie Young provided a steady complement, adding 21 points on efficient shooting, while the Aces leaned on their depth to overcome a gritty but depleted Tempo squad. The game was played in front of 15,877 fans at Rogers Arena, the second straight sellout crowd for the expansion Tempo, who are still building their fanbase in Vancouver.
Toronto entered the contest on an emotional high after snapping a 12-game skid with an 82-79 win over Portland on Friday. But the Tempo were forced to battle without five key players. All-Star Marina Mabrey was sidelined with an adductor injury, and the team announced earlier Sunday that Brittney Sykes (left foot) and Aneesah Morrow (left knee) would miss the remainder of the season after both were injured in the first half of Friday's win. Nyara Sabally (calf) and Maria Conde (calf) also remained out. Coach Sandy Brondello said before the game that Mabrey "will be evaluated in a few weeks," adding a layer of uncertainty to Toronto's rotation.
Despite the absences, the Tempo showed resilience. Kia Nurse led the scoring effort with 19 points, while Kiki Rice chipped in 14 and Temi Fagbenle added 13. The team hung close for much of the first half, trailing by just four points at halftime, 43-39, after closing the second quarter on a 6-0 run. That spurt was sparked by a NaLyssa Smith layup that gave the Aces a 10-point lead with a minute left, only for Toronto to respond with a defensive stop and quick transition buckets.
Early in the third quarter, Isabelle Harrison drove inside to cut the deficit to two points, but that was as close as the Tempo would get. The Aces clamped down defensively, forcing Toronto into difficult shots and limiting their second-chance opportunities. Wilson took over on the offensive end, scoring or assisting on several key possessions to extend the lead back to double digits. The Aces never looked back, controlling the tempo in the second half and cruising to the 10-point victory.
The Aces' balanced attack also featured contributions from players like Alysha Clark and Chelsea Gray, who provided crucial spacing and playmaking. Las Vegas shot 46% from the field and held Toronto to 40%, while dominating the rebounding battle 38-32. The win improves the Aces to 26-13, keeping them firmly in the hunt for a top-two seed in the WNBA playoffs.
Toronto, now 11-26, will look to regroup as they head to Seattle on Wednesday to face the Storm. The Aces, meanwhile, will host the Tempo again on Friday in what promises to be another intense matchup. With the season winding down, every game carries significant weight for both teams -- the Aces chasing playoff positioning, and the Tempo striving to build momentum for the future.
Article commentary
The Las Vegas Aces' 88-78 victory over the Toronto Tempo was more than just a routine win -- it was a statement of resilience and depth. Despite missing key contributors, the Aces leaned on their superstar core to overcome a scrappy opponent and maintain pressure on the league leaders. A'ja Wilson's stat line -- 27 points, seven rebounds, seven assists -- underscores her versatility and leadership. She has emerged as the undisputed anchor of a team that thrives on her ability to score, facilitate, and defend at an elite level. Jackie Young's consistent scoring adds another dimension, making the Aces difficult to defend when both are in rhythm. From Toronto's perspective, the game highlighted the challenges of an expansion team dealing with a staggering injury list. The Tempo were without five players, including two -- Brittney Sykes and Aneesah Morrow -- lost for the season. That kind of attrition is nearly impossible to overcome, especially against a championship-caliber opponent. Yet the Tempo showed glimpses of grit, particularly in the first half when they clawed back from a 10-point deficit to make it a two-point game early in the third quarter. Kia Nurse's 19 points and Kiki Rice's 14 demonstrate that there is talent in the lineup, even if the results are not yet translating into wins. The attendance of 15,877 at Rogers Arena is a bright spot for the league. The Tempo are drawing strong crowds in Vancouver, which suggests a vibrant market for women's basketball in Canada. The franchise's ability to sustain that interest will depend on building a competitive roster, but the early fan engagement is encouraging. For the Aces, this win keeps them within half a game of Golden State for second place. With the playoffs approaching, seeding is critical. A top-two seed would secure a double-bye and home-court advantage through the first two rounds. The Aces have shown they can beat anyone on a given night, but consistency will be key. Their depth is being tested, and players like Wilson, Young, and Gray must continue to carry the load. Looking ahead, the rematch on Friday in Las Vegas will be a different environment. The Tempo will have had a few days to rest and potentially get healthier, though the season-ending injuries to Sykes and Morrow are major blows. The Aces, meanwhile, cannot afford to take any opponent lightly. Every game matters in the tight WNBA standings, and the margin for error is slim. Ultimately, this game was a microcosm of the season for both teams. The Aces are a powerhouse with championship aspirations, while the Tempo are building for the future amid adversity. The narrative of resilience vs. dominance will continue to play out as the regular season draws to a close.