GAME RECAP: Las Vegas Aces Fall to Minnesota Lynx, 109-78
Sat, Jul 26, 2025, 2:58 AM
MINNEAPOLIS (July 25, 2025) — The Las Vegas Aces faced a tough challenge as they squared off against the formidable Minnesota Lynx in Minneapolis. This match marked the second of back-to-back road games for the Aces, and unfortunately, it ended in a disappointing 109-78 defeat. With the loss, the Aces saw their record dip to 12-13, while the Lynx improved to an impressive 22-4.
Key Players Shine
A’ja Wilson stood out for the Aces, registering a team-high of 15 points alongside 7 rebounds. Jackie Young also made significant contributions, finishing with 14 points and 5 assists. In a balanced offensive display, six Aces players scored between 7-9 points, but the overall effort fell short against a well-rounded Lynx team.
Napheesa Collier dazzled on the court, leading all scorers with 25 points. Teammate Courtney Williams added 23 points, helping ensure five Lynx players ended the game in double figures.
First Quarter Highlights
The game kicked off with a flurry of activity. The Aces briefly held a 14-12 lead, thanks to lead changes and ties that punctuated the opening moments. However, momentum shifted as the Lynx launched a 7-0 run, ultimately outscoring the Aces 27-18 in the first quarter. Minnesota’s shooting was efficient, with a field goal percentage of 52.6%, while the Aces struggled at 38.9%.
Chelsea Gray contributed 7 points for Las Vegas, while Williams led the charge for Minnesota with 9 points in the opening quarter.
Second Quarter Surge
As the second quarter commenced, the Lynx quickly extended their lead to 31-18. The Aces attempted to claw back into the game and narrowed the deficit to 39-32 at 3:29. But the closing moments proved costly as Las Vegas managed to score just 5 points compared to Minnesota’s strong finish of 12-3, ending the half at 51-35. This quarter saw the Aces shooting struggles continue, hitting only 33.3% from the field.
Wilson led her team in the second quarter with 7 points, but the lack of consistent scoring hurt their momentum.
Third Quarter Dynamics
Minnesota began the second half strong, surging to a 55-37 lead, and the Aces found it challenging to respond. Though Las Vegas improved their shooting to 47.6% during this quarter, the Lynx matched their efficiency. The free throw line proved an important factor; while the Aces made 5 of 7 attempts, Minnesota excelled by converting 16 of 23. Young topped the Aces with 6 points in this quarter, but it did little to stem the tide of the increasingly dominant Lynx.
Fourth Quarter Struggles
In the final quarter, the Aces faced a daunting task, attempting to overcome a significant deficit. Unfortunately, they could only muster a shooting percentage of 29.4%, further compounding their woes. Minnesota, on the other hand, capitalized on this lull, shooting an impressive 58.8% from the field. Collier and Anastasiia Olairi Kosu each contributed 5 points, but the Aces’ efforts fell flat in this decisive quarter.
Game Statistics and Analysis
The Aces finished the game shooting 38% (27-71) from the field and 30.8% (8-26) from beyond the arc. In stark contrast, the Lynx boasted a remarkable 54.4% shooting (37-68), including 40% (10-25) from three-point range. Minnesota’s free throw performance also outshone Las Vegas, making 25 of 38 attempts compared to the Aces’ 16 of 23.
Rebounding proved another critical factor in this matchup, with the Lynx dominating the boards, 48-30. The Aces conceded 12 points off 7 turnovers, while capitalizing on Minnesota’s 10 miscues for 15 points. Scoring in the paint favored Minnesota, who notched 34 points to the Aces’ 30.
Standout Moments and Future Implications
Despite the defeat, certain notes emerged from the game. A’ja Wilson’s performance was significant as she crossed the 5,243 career points threshold, placing her 25th on the WNBA’s all-time scoring list. Moreover, Wilson’s achievements with free throws see her vying for even higher status in league history.
The Aces played without key player Cheyenne Parker-Tyus, who is currently on maternity leave. As they look ahead, they face the Dallas Wings next, who sit at a 7-17 record. The Aces will seek to regain momentum, aiming for a pivotal win on Sunday at College Park Center.
In summary, Friday’s game highlighted both the strengths of the Minnesota Lynx and areas of growth for the Las Vegas Aces, as they continue to navigate their season in pursuit of playoff contention.