NEW YORK, NY – A collective gasp echoed through the Barclays Center on Tuesday night, and indeed, across the entire Women’s National Basketball Association, as Las Vegas Aces superstar A’ja Wilson suffered a harrowing right wrist injury during a pivotal clash against the New York Liberty. The three-time WNBA MVP’s premature exit in the second quarter has sent shockwaves through the league, raising significant concerns about the Aces’ immediate future and Wilson’s much-anticipated All-Star appearance.
The incident, occurring with just over four minutes remaining in the second quarter, saw Wilson driving forcefully to the basket. A collision with Liberty’s Leonie Fiebich resulted in an awkward, hard fall, with Wilson landing directly on her right hand and wrist in an attempt to brace herself. The pain was immediate and palpable, as the league’s reigning MVP lay on the court, surrounded by concerned teammates and the Aces’ medical staff, shielded by towels from the public eye.
In a display of her trademark toughness, Wilson remarkably rose to her feet and calmly sank both free throws, a testament to her unwavering competitive spirit. However, the discomfort was evident, and after a few more possessions, she was subbed out of the game with 2:22 left in the half, heading straight to the locker room. At halftime, the team officially confirmed the worst: a right wrist injury. Wilson later returned to the bench in the third quarter, her wrist heavily wrapped, a somber visual for Las Vegas fans.
Aces Head Coach Becky Hammon confirmed post-game that Wilson would undergo an MRI on Wednesday morning to ascertain the full extent of the damage. “Big picture, our season is bigger than one game. We want to make sure she’s good to go,” Hammon stated, emphasizing the long-term perspective amidst the immediate concern. The basketball world now collectively holds its breath, awaiting the results that will dictate the trajectory of the Aces’ season and Wilson’s personal timeline.
This latest setback is a cruel blow for Wilson, who already missed three games earlier this season due to concussion protocol. Her resilience has been tested, but this wrist injury feels particularly impactful given the Aces’ current standing. With a 9-10 record, the Las Vegas Aces are precariously clinging to a playoff spot. Wilson is not merely a star; she is the engine of this team, leading them in virtually every significant statistical category with an impressive 21.9 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game. Her absence creates an enormous void that, as Coach Hammon rightly pointed out, cannot be filled by one, two, or even three players.
The timing is especially agonizing for Wilson, who was recently selected as a starter for Team Caitlin Clark in the upcoming WNBA All-Star Game on July 19 in Indianapolis. Her participation in the midseason showcase is now in serious jeopardy, a disappointment for fans eager to see her talents on display alongside the league’s brightest.
The Liberty ultimately triumphed over the short-handed Aces with an 87-78 victory, highlighting just how vital Wilson’s presence is on both ends of the court. Without her commanding paint presence and offensive firepower, the Aces struggled to maintain their rhythm and defensive intensity in the latter half.
As the WNBA season progresses into its critical phase, the focus for the Las Vegas Aces shifts dramatically. Beyond the immediate worry for A’ja Wilson’s health, the team must now strategize how to navigate a demanding schedule without their cornerstone player. Their next challenge comes quickly, a road game against the Washington Mystics on Thursday, followed by matchups against the Golden State Valkyries and Dallas Wings before the All-Star break. The resiliency of the remaining Aces roster, including vital contributions from players like Jackie Young, NaLyssa Smith, and Chelsea Gray, will be put to the ultimate test. The path to the WNBA playoffs just became significantly steeper for the defending champions.
