On Tuesday night, the Las Vegas Aces faced off against the Los Angeles Sparks in a highly anticipated WNBA matchup at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. This game marked a significant moment for the Sparks as they welcomed back their 2024 second overall draft pick, Cameron Brink, who was making her season debut after a grueling 13-month recovery from a torn ACL and meniscus injury sustained on June 18, 2024. Brink’s return was a beacon of hope for the Sparks, who had been riding a five-game winning streak heading into the contest.
Despite the excitement surrounding Brink's comeback, the spotlight remained firmly on A’ja Wilson, the Las Vegas Aces’ three-time MVP and seven-time All-Star. Wilson, 28, entered the game with impressive season averages of 21.6 points, 9.1 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 2.4 blocks, and 1.6 steals per game, shooting 47.9 percent from the field. Though 2025 has been somewhat of a down year by her elite standards, Wilson’s performance reminded everyone why she remains a dominant force in the league.
The game started with a bang as Wilson exploded for 17 points in the first quarter, nearly outscoring the entire Los Angeles Sparks team, which had 18 points in that same period. Wilson’s 17-point quarter tied for the third-most points she has scored in any quarter in her career, and she was flawless from the field, going 8-for-8—her most makes without a miss in any quarter ever. The WNBA itself took notice, with their official account exclaiming, "OMG. A’ja Wilson just dropped 17 PTS in the 1Q. That’s not a typo." This electrifying start set the tone for the Aces.
The Las Vegas Aces, coming off a two-game losing streak, had snapped back with a convincing win over the Dallas Wings on Sunday, hitting a season-high 15 three-pointers and returning to a .500 record with 18 games remaining in the season. Jackie Young, who has been a key contributor since the All-Star break, added to the Aces’ firepower with her consistent scoring and playmaking, averaging 17.8 points and 5.8 assists post-break, highlighted by a season-high five three-pointers and eight assists against Dallas. Forward NaLyssa Smith also stepped up, shooting an impressive 56.7 percent over the last four games and maintaining double-digit scoring averages.
Las Vegas’ offensive prowess was on full display, but the team’s defense remained a critical factor. The Sparks, despite their recent hot streak, have struggled defensively, particularly inside the paint. Over their recent seven-game stretch, Los Angeles has posted the league’s third-worst defense, allowing the fourth-most points in the paint, the second-most second-chance points, and the fourth-most made field goals inside five feet. They also concede the most rebounds in the league, a vulnerability that Wilson aimed to exploit.
Cameron Brink’s return was expected to bolster the Sparks’ interior defense. Standing at six-foot-four, Brink averaged 2.3 blocks per game during her rookie season before her injury. Prior to her injury, the Sparks allowed the sixth-lowest field goal percentage within five feet of the basket, but since losing her, they have had the second-worst interior defense in the league. However, Brink was likely to be on a minutes restriction in her first game back, limiting her impact against Wilson, who was favored to have a strong rebounding night.
Indeed, Wilson was projected to reach double-digit rebounds for the fifth time in seven games, capitalizing on the Sparks’ rebounding struggles. In 2024, Brink ranked 17th out of 72 players in total rebounding percentage, and among players six-foot-four or taller, she ranked sixth-worst, suggesting that Wilson’s dominance on the boards was likely to continue.
The matchup between these two teams is steeped in history. The Aces hold a 48-57 all-time record against the Sparks and are 18-34 on the road. The season series was split 1-1 before this game, with both previous matchups hosted by Las Vegas. The Sparks, led by 2025 WNBA All-Star Kelsey Plum, have been a formidable offensive team, ranking second in the league in field goal shooting and three-point percentage, and third in scoring. Plum leads the Sparks not only in scoring but also in free throw percentage and assists. She is supported by teammates Dearica Hamby, Azurá Stevens, and Rickea Jackson, all of whom contribute double-digit scoring.
Despite the Sparks’ offensive capabilities and Brink’s return, the Aces’ balanced attack and Wilson’s superstar presence made them two-point favorites heading into the game, with the point total set at 175 by DraftKings Sportsbook. The game was broadcast live on NBA TV and Vegas 34, with streaming options available on Fubo, ensuring fans across the country could tune in to this pivotal contest.
As the game progressed, the Aces maintained their momentum. At the time of reporting, Las Vegas held the lead going into the second quarter, poised to close out the game without too much trouble. The Sparks’ recent defensive woes and limited minutes for Brink presented challenges that the Aces were well-positioned to exploit.
Wilson’s consistency and ability to perform at an elite level, even in a season that has not matched her previous dominant campaigns, underscore her status as one of the league’s premier players. Her 17-point first quarter was a statement that she remains a formidable MVP candidate, despite Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier being the frontrunner for the 2025 WNBA MVP award. A strong second half of the season could certainly keep Wilson in the conversation.
The Sparks, meanwhile, are hopeful that Brink’s return will spark a resurgence that can propel them into the playoffs for the first time since 2020. Their next five games include challenging matchups against the Seattle Storm, Indiana Fever, Connecticut Sun, and the Dallas Valkyries, making every game critical for their postseason aspirations.
For the Aces, the focus remains on maintaining their competitiveness and building on their .500 record with 18 games left in the season. Upcoming games against the Minnesota Lynx, Dallas Valkyries, and Seattle Storm will test their resolve as they aim to reclaim the championship form that saw them win back-to-back titles in 2022 and 2023.
Tuesday night’s game was a showcase of Wilson’s brilliance and a hopeful return for Cameron Brink, setting the stage for an exciting remainder of the WNBA season. As the Aces and Sparks continue their battle, fans can expect high-level basketball, intense competition, and the drama that makes the league so compelling.
