Las Vegas Aces lose NaLyssa Smith for season to injury, a major blow to WNBA champs' repeat hopes

LAS VEGAS (AP) — The Las Vegas Aces said Thursday that forward NaLyssa Smith is out for the season with a left leg injury, dealing a huge blow to the defending WNBA champion's repeat hopes.

Smith suffered the non-contact injury at the 3:15 mark of the third quarter in Sunday's 88-78 win over the the Toronto Tempo.

Smith has averaged 11.8 points and 6.4 rebounds over 37 games this season and was leading the league in field goal percentage at 63.8%.

The loss of Smith will put a lot more on the shoulders of Aces star A'ja Wilson, who is in the mix to win her fifth MVP trophy while averaging 26 points and and two blocks per game this season.

The Aces entered Thursday with a 26-13 record, the third-best mark in the Western Conference behind Minnesota (31-8) and Golden State (27-11).

___

See AP’s full sports coverage here

More like this:

Texas puts 4 players on preseason AP All-America team; 14 of the 27 first-team picks are from SEC

Aug 18, 2026

Boston Symphony Orchestra and musicians agree to 3-year deal that avoids possible strike

3 days ago

Boston Symphony Orchestra and musicians extend contract for 48 hours, a sign they may avert strike

5 days ago

Union for Boston Symphony Orchestra musicians authorizes first strike in ensemble's 145-year history

6 days ago

Investigators sift for evidence at burned Montana home where 8 family members were killed at dinner

2 days ago