The Las Vegas Aces will play for the Commissioner’s Cup title Tuesday night without the best player in the world. A’ja Wilson has been downgraded to out for the championship game against the New York Liberty due to a right leg injury, the team confirmed.
Wilson rolled her ankle in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s win over the Chicago Sky. She went to the locker room briefly but came back and finished with 30 points and 15 rebounds. That performance was the eighth time in her career she’s put up at least 30 and 15, the most in WNBA history.
After the game, Wilson didn’t sound too worried. “It’s all right,” she said on the broadcast. “It’s an ankle, so it’s going to snap back. But I should be good after some nice treatment.”
The Aces clearly hoped she’d be good enough to go Tuesday. Instead, they’ll have to face New York without their leading scorer, rebounder and shot blocker. Wilson entered the night averaging 25.7 points a game, which leads the league. She’s fourth in rebounds at 9.4 per game and first in blocks with two per game. Losing that production is a massive hole to fill.
Wilson has been remarkably durable over her seven-year career. She’s missed only six games in that span while establishing herself as one of the league’s most consistent and productive players. This is a rare night where Las Vegas has to figure things out without her.
The Aces come into the final at 14-5, second in the WNBA standings. They’re representing the Western Conference in the league’s in-season tournament. The Liberty, who represent the East, are 12-8 and have lost four of their last five. New York will also be without Satou Sabally, who remains in concussion protocol.
Two teams missing key players. One trophy. The Aces just have to chase it without their superstar.
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