A'ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces has been ruled out for the Commissioner Cup final against the New York Liberty due to a tweaked ankle. The four-time MVP, who rolled her ankle during a recent game against the Chicago Sky, will miss the critical matchup, putting additional pressure on her teammates. Aces' coach Becky Hammon emphasized the need for the team to step up, especially after New York defeated them last week. Despite Wilson's absence, the Aces are determined to capitalize on their previous experience playing shorthanded against the Liberty.

By the Numbers
  • A'ja Wilson leads the league in scoring, averaging 25.7 points per game.
  • Since the 2020 season, Wilson has missed only seven games throughout her career.
Yes, But

While Wilson's absence is significant, the Aces have successfully played without star players in the past, suggesting they may still compete effectively against the Liberty.

State of Play
  • The Aces need to enhance their defense and rebounding to counter the Liberty's strengths.
  • The Liberty will also be without Satou Sabally, who is in concussion protocol, potentially level-setting the competition.
What's Next

The Aces will have to rely on other key players to elevate their performance in the absence of Wilson, while the Liberty will look to exploit any weaknesses in their lineup.

Bottom Line

The Aces face a critical challenge without their best player, but their past experiences playing shorthanded may offer a pathway to victory. The outcome will heavily depend on teamwork and defensive strategy.