NEW YORK (AP) — Las Vegas star Aja Wilson has been ruled out of the Commissioner Cup final against New York on Tuesday night because of a right leg injury.
The four-time MVP rolled her ankle in the fourth quarter of the Aces' win over the Chicago Sky on Sunday. She came back into the game after a quick trip to the locker room.
"It's when you get off the court that you realize you probably tweaked it a little worse than you originally thought," Aces coach Becky Hammon said at shootaround Tuesday.
Hammon said that it's just a tweak and that Wilson should need "a few days to move."
Wilson, who leads the league in scoring at 25.7 points a game, has been remarkably durable in her career. She's now only missed seven games since the 2020 season.
Besides her scoring, defense and rebounding are two areas that Hammon said the Aces will need to focus on against the Liberty, who beat Las Vegas on the road last week.
"Everybody's got to be that much better," Aces guard Chelsea Gray said. "It's no secret, she's a big, huge part of our team. She's the best player in the world. Let's, let's lock in for this one game and do what we have to do."
The Aces are no stranger to having to play the Liberty short-handed in big games. Gray and Kiah Stokes were hurt in the 2023 WNBA Finals and the Aces beat New York without them.
"Focusing on ourselves, that's really the thing," said New York star Breanna Stewart. "This is one game, winner takes all and you never know what's going to happen in one game. We need to make sure that we're our best tonight."
New York will be missing Satou Sabally, who is in concussion protocol after unintentionally getting hit in the face by an elbow against the Aces.
-
Las Vegas Aces defeat reigning WNBA champions, the New York Liberty
The Las Vegas Aces defeated the reigning WNBA champions, the New York Liberty 83-77 closing out their three-game homestand on a high note.
A'ja Wilson shocked at becoming first WNBA player with a 30-20 double-double
Las Vegas Aces reigning WNBA MVP A’ja Wilson became the first player in league history to register a 30-20 double-double. It was her 14th double-double of the season.
A'ja Wilson etches name in WNBA history in win against the Connecticut Sun
Superstar A'ja Wilson secured her spot in WNBA history in victory against the Connecticut Sun 94-86 on Sunday night.
The Las Vegas Aces defeat the Seattle Storm at first of four home games
The Las Vegas Aces are set to clash against the Seattle Storm on Friday, August 8 for the first of four home games hosted by the Aces,
