A’ja Wilson and Rising Aces Host Paige Bueckers, Slumping Wings
The Las Vegas Aces are peaking at the right time, riding a six-game winning streak as they prepare to host the struggling Dallas Wings on Sunday afternoon. Both teams enter this Western Conference matchup trending in very different directions.
Aces’ Surge Led by Wilson
The Las Vegas Aces (20-14) have won 11 of their last 14 games, including eight of the past nine, and remain in the hunt for the No. 2 seed in the WNBA playoff race.
Star center A’ja Wilson, a three-time MVP, has been unstoppable. She poured in 30 points and 16 rebounds in Friday’s 86-83 victory over the Phoenix Mercury, showcasing why she remains the frontrunner in the league’s MVP conversation.
Head coach Becky Hammon credited her team’s growth in closing out tough games:
“I think we’ve had some grittiness defensively. But more importantly, we’re learning how to win together. We were dropping close games in the past … but we’re starting to win these close games and that shows a grittiness, a resiliency, a lock-in factor.”
The Aces’ defense and Wilson’s dominance have been the backbone of their surge, helping them climb into serious postseason contention.
Wings Fighting Through Tough Stretch
The Dallas Wings (9-25) have been reeling, dropping six of their last seven contests. Friday’s 97-96 loss to the Los Angeles Sparks was another tough blow, as Dallas nearly completed a 13-point comeback in the final five minutes.
Rookie sensation Paige Bueckers had a chance to win it at the buzzer, but her three-point attempt rattled out. Despite the heartbreak, Bueckers continues to shine. She scored 29 points with five assists in the loss, cementing her place as the Rookie of the Year frontrunner.
Bueckers ranks sixth in the league in scoring (18.8 ppg) and seventh in assists (5.4 apg) — a remarkable impact for a first-year player.
Wings head coach Chris Kolcanes praised his team’s fight but emphasized consistency:
“We’ve got to find ways to take care of the ball and put ourselves in a position to not have to fight and claw back. I love hearing everyone say, ‘You guys don’t give up.’ But we’ve got to continue to put 40 minutes together.”
Season Series Recap
This will be the fourth and final matchup between the two teams this season, with the Aces chasing a season sweep.
- Game 1: Aces won by 4 points
- Game 2: Aces won by 4 points
- Game 3: Aces pulled away late, but the Wings kept it close
Las Vegas has had to grind out each win, proving that while they have the upper hand, Dallas isn’t going down easily.
Key Matchup: Wilson vs. Bueckers
This game sets up a showcase between A’ja Wilson, the established superstar, and Paige Bueckers, the rookie phenom. Wilson’s dominance in the paint against Bueckers’ perimeter scoring could define the outcome.
Aces vs. Wings Matchup Table
Category | Las Vegas Aces | Dallas Wings |
---|---|---|
Record | 20-14 | 9-25 |
Leading Scorer | A’ja Wilson (23.9 ppg) | Paige Bueckers (18.8 ppg) |
Last 5 Games | 5-0 | 1-4 |
Key Strength | Defense & late-game execution | Guard play & pace |
ATS Record | 18-15 | 11-23 |
Betting Outlook
- Spread: The Aces are hot and on a six-game winning streak, making them heavy favorites at home. Dallas has been one of the league’s weakest ATS teams.
- Totals: With Wilson and Bueckers both scoring at a high clip, this matchup could lean toward the over despite Las Vegas’ improved defense.
- Props to Watch:
- A’ja Wilson rebounding total (she’s averaging 12.1 RPG in August).
- Paige Bueckers points + assists, given her all-around production.
Final Thoughts
The Las Vegas Aces are looking to keep their momentum alive and complete a season sweep of the Dallas Wings, while Paige Bueckers continues to prove she belongs among the league’s elite. With playoff seeding at stake for Las Vegas and pride fueling Dallas, expect a competitive and entertaining matchup.