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Aces’ A’ja Wilson (ankle) sidelined, but long-term concerns avoided
In a significant turn of events, A’ja Wilson, the star player for the Las Vegas Aces, has been sidelined for the anticipated matchup against the New York Liberty this Sunday. The injury occurred during the final minute of the Aces’ victory over the Connecticut Sun on Friday, where Wilson twisted her right ankle.
Las Vegas head coach Becky Hammon reported that Wilson’s injury is a minor tweak, and imaging tests have indicated no long-term damage. However, the team is proceeding cautiously and will assess Wilson’s condition as they prepare for their next game on Wednesday against the Indiana Fever.
“There’s never a good time for this, but she does get a couple of days to rest and recover,” Hammon stated, emphasizing a cautious approach. The team is prioritizing Wilson’s health and will monitor her recovery closely.
On Sunday, Wilson was observed entering Barclays Center while wearing a walking boot, a visible sign of her current situation. In her absence, the Aces plan to start Megan Gustafson and Alysha Clark alongside their regular backcourt of Chelsea Gray, Kelsey Plum, and Jackie Young.
Throughout her career in the WNBA, Wilson has shown impressive durability, with her last missed game occurring in 2019. Leading up to this injury, she boasted an active streak of 172 consecutive games, the longest in the league.
Currently, Wilson is a standout candidate for the MVP title, posting averages of 27.3 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks per game this season. Her scoring rate is on track to set a new league record for the highest points per game in a single season. Additionally, she is just 11 points shy of breaking the record for the most points in a WNBA season, and only 71 points away from reaching the 1,000 mark in her career.
Wilson’s absence is compounded by the recent rest days for fellow players Young and Plum, who missed games in the last couple of weeks due to fatigue and ankle issues, respectively. All four athletes, including Gray, represented Team USA in the Olympics, a competition that has been noted by Hammon for its physical and mental toll on the players.
The two-time defending champions stand at 22-12 this season, currently sitting in fourth place in the league standings. The Aces are eager to secure their first victory against the first-place Liberty after losing to New York twice earlier this season in Las Vegas.
“The entire team holds A’ja in high regard. She is deeply respected and loved,” Hammon expressed. “They all want to step up and make her proud when she can’t be out there. The goal is to play hard, compete, and give their best effort.”
Source: Various Reports
