Las Vegas The Las Vegas Aces put on a dominant display Sunday night, defeating the Atlanta Dream 87-72 in a game led by A’ja Wilson’s powerful double-double and a crucial spark off the bench from guard Sydney Colson Evans.
Wilson, the reigning WNBA MVP, delivered yet another commanding performance, finishing with 28 points and 13 rebounds. Her intensity set the tone from the opening quarter, where she accounted for 10 of the team’s first 20 points. This marks her 13th double-double of the 2025 season, reinforcing her frontrunner status for yet another MVP title.
“It’s about rhythm and staying locked in,” Wilson said post-game. “Tonight felt like we were clicking — on both ends.”
But Wilson wasn’t alone in driving the win.
Sydney Evans stepped up with a season-high 14 points off the bench, shooting 6-for-8 from the field and injecting vital energy midway through the third quarter when the Dream closed the gap to single digits. Her aggressive drives and hustle plays shifted the momentum back to the Aces, giving the starting five crucial breathing room.
“It’s about knowing when to be that spark,” Evans said. “My teammates trust me, and tonight was one of those nights where everything aligned.”
The Aces’ defense also shone, holding Atlanta to just 36% shooting and forcing 17 turnovers. Kelsey Plum added 16 points with five assists, while Jackie Young contributed a well-rounded 11 points, six boards, and three steals.
The Dream struggled to find offensive rhythm, despite 21 points from Rhyne Howard. Allisha Gray was limited to just nine points, as Las Vegas defenders successfully trapped and rotated to cut off her driving lanes.
Atlanta coach Tanisha Wright admitted the team couldn’t match the Aces’ tempo. “They outplayed us, plain and simple. We let them control the pace, and once they get going, it’s tough to stop,” Wright said.
With this win, the Aces improved to 18-6 on the season and reclaimed the top spot in the Western Conference. Coach Becky Hammon emphasized the importance of building momentum before the postseason push. “We’re getting healthier, sharper, and smarter,” she said. “But we’re still chasing our best version.”
The Aces now look ahead to their next matchup against the New York Liberty in what promises to be a battle between two championship favorites.
Las Vegas fans left the Michelob ULTRA Arena energized, with many chanting Wilson’s name during the final minutes of the fourth quarter. If this game is any indication, the Aces are peaking at just the right time.
