A'ja Wilson returned to the court Thursday night and led the Las Vegas Aces past the expansion Portland Fire, 88-80. The center had been sidelined with an ankle injury, missing three consecutive games. But in the Aces vs Fire road matchup at the Moda Center, she controlled the game from start to finish.
A'ja Wilson Dominates in Aces vs Fire Return
Wilson posted a game-high 32 points and 10 rebounds in her return. She also added three assists, two blocks, and two steals for a complete stat line on both ends of the floor.
Jackie Young was just as critical for the Aces WNBA champion squad, recording 19 points and a game-high 11 assists for a double-double. Together, the pair made sure Portland never held a lead.
On the defensive end, Las Vegas was just as sharp.
How Did the Aces Defense Hold Portland & Carla Leite in Check?
The Aces forced 13 steals and held the Fire to 34.4% shooting from beyond the arc. Carla Leite paced Portland with 13 points but shot just 2-for-6 from the floor. The expansion team hung around in stretches but never cut the deficit enough to seriously threaten the visiting side.
With A'ja Wilson healthy and back in the lineup, the Aces have the two-way presence they need heading deeper into the season.
They'll next face the Phoenix Mercury tomorrow at 6 PM ET, live on Peacock.
