Las Vegas, NV (Aug. 17, 2025) – The Dallas Wings continue their late-season push on the road with a nationally televised showdown against the defending champion Las Vegas Aces on Sunday afternoon. Tipoff at Michelob ULTRA Arena is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. CT, with the broadcast on ABC featuring Pam Ward and Carolyn Peck on the call and Brooke Weisbrod reporting from courtside.
Dallas Seeking to Rebound
The Wings (9-25) enter the matchup looking to bounce back from a heartbreaking 97-96 loss to the Los Angeles Sparks on Friday at College Park Center. Despite erasing a 16-point deficit and narrowing the game to one possession in the final seconds, Dallas fell just short. Rookie guard Paige Bueckers delivered another milestone performance, scoring a game-high 29 points while becoming the fastest rookie in franchise history to reach 500 career points. She also surpassed Odyssey Sims for the most assists by a Dallas rookie in a single season.
First-year guard JJ Quinerly chipped in 11 points and nine assists, while the Wings’ bench outscored Los Angeles’ reserves by a commanding 39-7 margin. Despite the offensive efficiency and resilience, the Wings were ultimately undone by early defensive lapses and the Sparks’ veteran composure in the closing moments.
Aces Holding Their Ground
The Las Vegas Aces (20-14) enter Sunday’s contest fresh off a hard-fought 86-83 road victory over the Phoenix Mercury on Friday night. A’ja Wilson, the reigning MVP, once again showcased her dominance with 30 points, solidifying her position as the league’s most reliable two-way force. Las Vegas, while not as dominant as in recent years, has remained one of the most balanced teams in the WNBA, blending inside power with perimeter scoring from Jackie Young and Chelsea Gray.
The Aces’ victory over Phoenix kept them firmly in the playoff picture as they aim to defend their crown. With Wilson leading the charge, Las Vegas has proven capable of weathering injuries and lineup adjustments while maintaining its identity as a physical, high-scoring squad.
Season Series Recap
Sunday marks the fourth and final meeting of the regular season between the Wings and Aces. Las Vegas has won all three matchups in 2025, including a decisive 106-80 victory in Arlington on July 27. In that contest, the Aces overwhelmed Dallas with a 34-point first quarter and never looked back, showcasing their offensive firepower. Four Wings reached double figures in scoring, led by Haley Jones with 15 points, but Dallas was unable to contain Wilson and Young, who combined for 48.
For the Wings, finding a way to compete against Las Vegas’ pace and defensive intensity will be critical. Dallas has struggled with slow starts against elite teams, often relying on late rallies to close the gap. Against a team as experienced as the Aces, avoiding early deficits could be the difference between staying competitive and suffering another lopsided defeat.
Keys to the Matchup
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Containing A’ja Wilson – Dallas will need to rotate defenders and provide timely help to limit Wilson’s touches. Myisha Hines-Allen and Li Yueru will likely draw the primary assignments in the post.
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Guard Play Battle – The rookie tandem of Paige Bueckers and JJ Quinerly will be tested against the championship backcourt of Chelsea Gray and Jackie Young. Ball security and pace control will be vital.
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Bench Production – Dallas’ reserves delivered 39 points against the Sparks. Replicating that output could help neutralize Las Vegas’ depth advantage.
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Rebounding and Second Chances – The Wings have struggled on the glass against bigger frontcourts. Controlling rebounds will be essential to limiting extra possessions for the Aces.
What’s Next
Following Sunday’s matchup, the Wings will remain on the road to face the Los Angeles Sparks on Tuesday in the second of a two-game road swing. For Dallas, every game offers valuable growth opportunities as rookies continue to find their footing and the team looks to close the season with momentum.
