### Las Vegas Aces' Rollercoaster Weekend: From Victory to Defeat The Las Vegas Aces experienced a tumultuous weekend in the WNBA, starting with a thrilling comeback victory over the Dallas Wings, followed by a disappointing loss to the Phoenix Mercury. The Aces, who were without their star player A'ja Wilson due to concussion protocol, managed to secure a hard-fought win against the Wings but could not maintain their momentum against the Mercury. This weekend's events highlight the challenges faced by the Aces as they navigate injuries and team dynamics in the competitive landscape of women's basketball. ### Breakdown of the Aces' Weekend Performance 1. **Victory Against the Dallas Wings** - The Aces triumphed over the Wings with an 88-84 score, showcasing a remarkable fourth-quarter comeback. - Jewell Loyd played a pivotal role, scoring 21 points, including a crucial 3-pointer in the final seconds that secured the win [https://www.nbcsports.com/wnba/news/jackie-young-jewell-loyd-rally-aces-to-88-84-win-over-wings]. - Jackie Young also shone, contributing 28 points and going 8-for-8 from the free-throw line during a decisive 17-2 run to close the game [https://www.nbcsports.com/wnba/news/jackie-young-jewell-loyd-rally-aces-to-88-84-win-over-wings]. 2. **Loss to the Phoenix Mercury** - The Aces faced the Mercury on June 15, 2025, and suffered a loss, finishing their three-game homestand with a record of 1-2. - A'ja Wilson's absence due to concussion protocol was felt significantly, as her scoring and defensive presence were missed [https://www.ktnv.com/sports/las-vegas-aces/las-vegas-aces-finish-out-3-game-homestand-with-a-loss-against-phoenix-mercury]. - The Aces struggled to maintain their offensive rhythm, particularly in the absence of their leading scorer, which contributed to their defeat. 3. **Team Dynamics and Challenges** - The Aces' performance this weekend underscores the impact of injuries on team dynamics, particularly the absence of key players like A'ja Wilson. - The team had previously lost to the Los Angeles Sparks, where Wilson also left the game due to a head injury, highlighting ongoing concerns about player health and safety [https://www.nbcsports.com/wnba/news/rickea-jackson-scores-a-career-high-30-points-to-help-the-sparks-beat-the-aces-97-89]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Game Statistics Against the Wings**: - **Jackie Young**: 28 points, 11 free throws made. - **Jewell Loyd**: 21 points, including 5 three-pointers. - **Team Free Throws**: 17-of-19 in the final quarter, crucial for the comeback victory [https://www.yardbarker.com/wnba/articles/fourth_quarter_comeback_lifts_aces_past_struggling_wings/s1_17054_42326158]. - **Game Statistics Against the Mercury**: - The Aces struggled offensively, particularly in the absence of Wilson, which affected their overall scoring and defensive capabilities [https://www.ktnv.com/sports/las-vegas-aces/las-vegas-aces-finish-out-3-game-homestand-with-a-loss-against-phoenix-mercury]. ### Conclusion: Aces' Weekend Summary In summary, the Las Vegas Aces had a weekend marked by highs and lows, demonstrating both resilience and vulnerability. 1. **Victory Over Wings**: The Aces showcased their ability to rally and secure a win despite being down by 13 points, led by strong performances from Young and Loyd. 2. **Loss to Mercury**: The absence of A'ja Wilson proved detrimental, as the Aces could not replicate their earlier success, leading to a disappointing end to their homestand. 3. **Ongoing Challenges**: The team's ability to adapt to injuries and maintain performance will be crucial as they move forward in the season. The Aces must regroup and strategize effectively to overcome these challenges and continue competing at a high level in the WNBA [https://www.ktnv.com/sports/las-vegas-aces/las-vegas-aces-finish-out-3-game-homestand-with-a-loss-against-phoenix-mercury].