Aces Dominate Dallas, Hit 100-Win Milestone for Coach Hammon

The Las Vegas Aces bounced back in a big way Sunday night with a commanding 106–80 win over the Dallas Wings. The victory brought the Aces back to .500 at 13–13, while Dallas dropped to 7–19, sitting 2nd from the bottom of league standings.

Dallas Can’t Be Counted Out Completely

Despite their record, Dallas has had surprise wins this season over Atlanta, Phoenix, and Seattle. And even in a blowout loss like this, they managed to put up 44 points in the first half—their highest scoring half all season, and according to the broadcast, the most they’ve scored in a half since 2023.

Jewell Loyd Finds Her Rhythm Off the Bench

One of the brightest takeaways for Vegas was Jewell Loyd. After requesting to come off the bench—a move Coach Becky Hammon finally agreed to—Loyd looked more comfortable. She poured in 20 points in just under 19 minutes on 54% shooting from the field. In her place, Kierstan Bell got the start—and matched Loyd’s energy with 19 points of her own, also shooting 54%. The rotation shift paid off.

Jackie Young Is the Key to the Offense

Jackie Young notched a season-high eight assists in the win. When Jackie facilitates, the Aces win—plain and simple. They're now:

• 3–0 when she has 7+ assists

• 7–1 when she has 6+ assists

Chelsea Gray also showed flashes of her former self with eight assists, helping to steady the backcourt production that’s been missing this season.

A'ja's Steady Double-Double & Defensive Concerns

A’ja Wilson recorded a 14-point, 10-rebound double-double, but defensive concerns linger. While the Aces won comfortably, giving up 44 first-half points to Dallas is still a red flag. Defensive chemistry and rim protection remain inconsistent.

Haley Jones' Position Shift Could Extend Her Career

On the Dallas side, one of the more intriguing developments is Haley Jones continuing to play in the post—a move that initially raised eyebrows but might just be the smartest adjustment for her long-term future in the league.

The guard position is the most competitive in the WNBA. And while Jones came into the league as a point-forward hybrid, she hasn’t produced enough offensively to solidify a backcourt role. However, shifting to the post—where her size, strength, and basketball IQ still give her an edge—may offer her a more sustainable path.

We’ve seen other players like Emily Engstler, Kiah Stokes, and Mercedes Russell extend their careers by carving out niche roles in the frontcourt, even without eye-popping offensive numbers. Jones might be following a similar trajectory.

In this game, she made the most of her opportunity:

• 15 points on 62% shooting

• 30 minutes played

• Led Dallas in bench scoring

  
  

Dijonai Carrington Shows Out in Return

After missing several weeks with a rib injury, Dijonai Carrington returned to the starting lineup and wasted no time making an impact. She tallied 14 points on 46% shooting, a 16% improvement over her season average.

Carrington’s energy on both ends of the floor was noticeable. Her ability to get downhill and create her own shot was a much-needed boost for Dallas, especially against a high-powered Aces team.

Arike Leads the Way—But Needs More Help

As expected, Arike Ogunbowale led all Dallas scorers with 18 points on 43% shooting. While Arike remains one of the most electric guards in the league, her efforts weren’t enough to keep Dallas competitive after halftime. Once again, the Wings struggled to keep pace with teams that move the ball well and score efficiently.

Paige Bueckers Sits Out

Rookie Paige Bueckers was out for this game due to rest.

Coach Hammon Hits a Milestone

This win marked Becky Hammon’s 100th regular season win, making her the third-fastest coach in WNBA history to reach the milestone. A major accomplishment in the midst of a challenging season.

Next Up: Sparks vs Aces—A Statement Game?

The Aces will take on the Los Angeles Sparks on Tuesday, and LA is coming off a confidence-boosting win over the No. 2-ranked New York Liberty. You already know they’ll bring that same fire to the matchup in Vegas. And let’s not forget—Kelsey Plum always has something to prove against her former squad.