The Las Vegas Aces battled through overtime without superstar A’ja Wilson on Friday night, overcoming the Chicago Sky 98-90 to earn the 500th win in franchise history. 

NaLyssa Smith led the way with a season-best 29 points and 8 rebounds, while Chelsea Gray came through in the clutch, knocking down two crucial jumpers in the final minute of overtime to help seal the victory. Despite being short-handed without Wilson for a second straight game, the Aces found a way to outlast Chicago and continue their strong season.   

The Aces Beat The Sky In OT

The Aces faced the Sky in T-Mobile Arena on the Las Vegas Strip on Friday night. It was a tough one that led to overtime, but the Aces were able to pull off the win.

This win was the franchise’s 500th victory. According to the Aces’ IG page, “The Las Vegas Aces become the fourth franchise in WNBA history with 500 wins.”

In addition to Smith scoring 29 points, Gray added 18 points, Jewell Loyd scored 19, and Jackie Young had 16.

For the Sky, Skylar Diggins led the team with 19 points, Kamilla Cardoso scored 16 points, Natasha Cloud had 15 points, and Azura Stevens and Courtney Vandersloot both scored 11 points.

A’ja Wilson Wins Another Prestigious Award

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Star player Wilson is no stranger to winning awards. Earlier this week, she was honored with the BET Sportswoman of the Year award. 

Wilson continues to set the standard in women’s basketball. She became the first player in WNBA or NBA history to win league MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, and Finals MVP all in the same season. She also earned a record fourth MVP award while leading the Aces to a 16-game winning streak and a championship sweep of the Phoenix Mercury. 

Wilson’s BET Award adds to her long list of accomplishments, that also includes AP and Time Magazine’s Female Athlete of the Year. 

It was also just announced that Wilson was named Western Conference Player of the Month for the month of June. This ups her league-record of Player of the Month honors to 15!

On June 16, Wilson earned the 30th Western Conference Player of the week honor in her career. She’s trailing Tina Charles who is a 33-time WNBA Player of the Week awardee on the all-time list.

A’ja Wilson Will Be A Starter For The 2026 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game

It was announced on Thursday that Wilson will be one of the starters for the upcoming WNBA All-Star Game. This will be her seventh starting nod in eight All-Star Game appearances. 

According to a press release sent to The Blast, “Wilson’s 8th All-Star nod ranks tied with Seimone Augustus, Tina Charles, Sylvia Fowles, Lisa Leslie, and 2026 All-Star Breanna Stewart for the fifth most in league history, trailing Sue Bird (13), Diana Taurasi (11), Tamika Catchings, Brittney Griner, and Nneka Ogwumike (10 apiece) and Tina Thompson (9).”

Starters for the All-Star Game were chosen by votes from fans, players, and select media members. Also starting: Aliyah Boston (Indiana), Paige Bueckers (Dallas), Natasha Howard (Minnesota), Olivia Miles (Minnesota), Kelsey Mitchell (Indiana), Jessica Shepard (Dallas), Breanna Stewart (New York), Gabby Williams (Golden State), and Caitlin Clark (Indiana). 

The 2026 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game will be played in the United Center in Chicago on Saturday, July 25 at 5:30 p.m.

Chelsea Gray Joins WNBA On Prime As A Player Contributor

Last week, Prime video announced that Gray will be joining WNBA on Prime as a player contributor. She will make select appearances during the 2026 WNBA season.

In a press release sent to The Blast, Gray shared her thoughts about joining WNBA on Prime. “Basketball is a big part of my life and joining WNBA on Prime gives me a chance to share a different perspective with viewers,” she said. “I want those watching at home to experience what it’s like to be on the floor: the reads, the adjustments, and the small moments that can impact a game.”

Amina Hussein, Prime Video Sports Head of On-Air Talent and Development, added, “Chelsea’s résumé speaks for itself. Four championships. A Finals MVP. Two Olympic golds. What excites us most is her authenticity and natural ability to connect with fans. Chelsea brings a genuine perspective that makes the game accessible to everyone, and we’re thrilled to welcome her to our team.”

Throughout the 2026 season, Gray will join the WNBA on Prime studio team to provide on-court insight and highlight key storylines around the league alongside studio host Allie Clifton, analysts, and fellow player contributor Kelsey Plum.

Prime Video’s studio covers features WNBA on Prime Pregame, The Half, and WNBA Nightcap.

What’s Next For The Aces?

The Aces have one more home game before hitting the road for a game. They’ll face the Indiana Fever on Sunday, July 5 at 4 p.m. PT and then the Portland Fire on Thursday, July 9 at 7 p.m. PT in Portland.

Then they are back at home to play the Phoenix Mercury on Saturday, July 11 and then the Fever again on Sunday, July 12.

See the Aces’ full schedule on the website.

The Las Vegas Aces Make Franchise History With Friday Night’s Win Over Chicago Sky first appeared on The Blast