The Aces Might’ve Flipped the Switch— Win Over Sparks Proves Finals Still in Sight

A’ja Wilson Dominates, Jackie Young Makes History as Aces Power Past Sparks

The Las Vegas Aces reminded the league why they’re still a title threat with a dominant 15-point win over the Los Angeles Sparks. The victory was punctuated by a pair of milestone performances: A’ja Wilson notched her fifth 30+ point game of the season, while Jackie Young recorded the first triple-double of her career.

Wilson finished with yet another 30-point double-double, her 21st in that category, leading the league. Efficiency remains her identity; all five of her 30+ point outings this season have come on 50–75% shooting. After the game, when asked how it feels to perform at this level while wearing her own signature shoe, she said:

“It makes my heart so full… to create those memories. I mean, that’s what makes Jordan Jordan, is his shoes—he created flu games. He created memories in those shoes. I’m grateful that I can do the same.”

A'ja Wilson debuts Military Green colorway in July 29th win over the Los Angeles Sparks. Photo by Juan Ocampo

Wilson debuted a new colorway in this matchup, dedicated to the U.S. Military.

To put her dominance in perspective: she now has 110 career double-doubles, already sixth all-time in WNBA history just behind Nneka Ogwumike, who entered the league six years earlier. Her impact is undeniable, and her mention of Jordan feels less metaphorical and more historical. A’ja Wilson isn’t just one of the greatest in the women’s game—she’s one of the greatest in basketball, period.

Jackie Young also made her mark, tallying 18 points, 11 assists, and 11 rebounds in a well-rounded performance. Head coach Becky Hammon praised her postgame, calling her “a safe passer and low turnover person… and that’s a pretty good combination.”

A'ja Wilson and Jackie Young Double and Trip Double Highlights vs. Los Angeles Sparks

Defensive Lockdown

One of the most encouraging signs for Vegas was their improved perimeter defense. The Sparks, who had been shooting over 35% from deep during their recent five-game win streak, were held to just 16% from beyond the arc.

While Kierstan Bell had only 3 points on 10% shooting, she contributed meaningfully on the defensive end. She and Jewell Loyd each recorded 2 steals, helping the Aces force 20 turnovers and tally 13 steals overall.

The Game Within the Game

The Sparks’ sluggish start proved costly. They were outscored 31–18 in the first quarter alone, including a 17-point outburst from A’ja Wilson in just 7 minutes. While the game was more competitive quarter by quarter—17-16 (Q2), 22-19 (Q3), and 19-21 (Q4)—that early gap was too wide to overcome.

Cameron Brink contest an A'ja Wilson layup on July 29th in Staples Center. Photo by Tyler Ross

Despite the final score, there were some bright spots for L.A. Rae Burrell shined off the

bench with 17 points and 6 rebounds on 54% shooting. Cameron Brink, on a minutes restriction, made the most of her 14 minutes with 5 points, 3 rebounds, a steal, an assist, and a block.

Dearica Hamby and Kelsey Plum led the Sparks in scoring, combining for 37 points. However, the Aces’ frontcourt, anchored by Wilson and Nalyssa Smith, held both Hamby and Azurá Stevens below their season averages.

Rotation Questions & Trade Watch

Emma Cannon and Sania Feagin logged DNPs, with Cannon now having been benched in four of the last six games. She’s averaged just 4 minutes in the two games she did play. With the Aug. 7 trade deadline looming, all eyes will be on how L.A. navigates their rotation and roster depth.

Julie Vanloo, now with the Sparks after a stint with the Valkyries, is quietly becoming a steady hand. Though she’s not putting up volume numbers, she’s shooting 42% from the field and 44% from three in about 12 minutes per game.

Playoff Implications

With the Aces now at 14–13 and the Sparks at 11–14, both teams remain in the thick of a chaotic playoff race. The Liberty and Lynx, despite stronger records, have questions swirling, especially with Breanna Stewart’s health. The path to the Finals feels more open than ever.

Let’s not forget: the 2021 Chicago Sky won the title with a 16–16 regular season record. Don’t count out the Aces just yet.

Their next test? A Saturday showdown against the Minnesota Lynx, who face the Liberty tonight.