In a thrilling matchup on August 11, 2026, the Las Vegas Aces faced off against the Washington Mystics at the Michelob ULTRA Arena, where the Aces emerged victorious with an 86-76 score. This win not only marked a significant moment for the Aces, who improved their record to 23-11, but it also ended the Mystics' impressive seven-game winning streak, which was the best in the WNBA.
The Aces were eager to bounce back after suffering a heavy 40-point defeat against the New York Liberty just days earlier. Despite missing key players due to injuries, including Dana Evans and Cheyenne Parker-Tyus, the Aces showcased their depth and resilience. A'ja Wilson, the four-time MVP, led the charge with a remarkable performance, scoring 26 points and grabbing 13 rebounds, marking her 17th double-double of the season.
Jackie Young also played a pivotal role in the victory, contributing 25 points, including four three-pointers, and dishing out eight assists without committing a single turnover. Young's ability to maintain composure and make smart plays was crucial, especially as she scored 13 consecutive points to close out the first quarter, giving the Aces a 22-19 lead.
Head coach Becky Hammon's strategic timeout seemed to ignite the Aces' performance, as they responded to a 9-0 run from the Mystics by outscoring their opponents 17-8 to end the quarter. The Aces maintained their momentum into the second half, with Wilson scoring 18 of her points after halftime, effectively stifling the Mystics' attempts to regain control of the game.
As the final quarter approached, the Aces held a three-point lead, which they quickly extended to double digits. Wilson emphasized the importance of dictating the pace of the game in the fourth quarter, stating, "We just started to dictate things versus reacting to things... We just weathered their storms and absorbed the punches that they were throwing at us." This approach proved effective, allowing the Aces to finish strong and secure the win.
The victory also evened the season series between the two teams at one game apiece, following the Mystics' earlier win over the Aces in Washington on July 22. The final matchup of the series is set to take place at the Michelob ULTRA Arena on Thursday, adding extra intrigue to the upcoming game.
Despite the Mystics' loss, their trio of Shakira Austin, Sonia Citron, and Kiki Iriafen combined for an impressive 54 points. However, the Aces' defense was instrumental in limiting the Mystics' effectiveness, holding them to just 28 percent shooting from beyond the arc and capitalizing on Washington's 16 turnovers with nine steals.
Rookie Ta'Niya Latson and Mai Yamamoto provided valuable contributions off the bench, with Latson scoring five points and Yamamoto hitting a crucial three-pointer during a decisive 8-0 run. Coach Hammon praised their performance, highlighting the importance of solid contributions from the bench in securing the win.
As the WNBA season progresses, this victory is a significant boost for the Aces, who are navigating through a challenging stretch with injuries. With the playoffs on the horizon, the Aces will look to build on this momentum and solidify their standing in the league.
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