Aja Wilson Scores 45 As Las Vegas Aces Beat Connecticut Sun

A'ja Wilson produced 45 points as the Las Vegas Aces defeated the short-handed Connecticut Sun 101-94, extending a strong response after an opening-night loss. Wilson powered the defending champions to a third straight victory, while Connecticut slipped to 0-4 after again playing without key frontcourt players.

Wilson dominated the contest with ruthless efficiency, shooting 15 of 18 from the floor and converting all 13 free-throw attempts. The forward controlled scoring stretches and late possessions, ensuring the Aces stayed in front whenever Connecticut threatened to close the gap during the second half.

Chennedy Carter gave Las Vegas another major scoring option, finishing with 18 points and continuing a strong return season. Carter rejoined the league this year after not signing with any team last season. Entering the game, Carter averaged 19.7 points in 21 minutes, while shooting 73% from the field for the Aces.

Connecticut again lined up without Brittney Griner, who missed a second consecutive game because of a left foot injury. Olivia Nelson-Ododa was also unavailable after a right ankle injury in Wednesday's 98-69 loss to Las Vegas. Nelson-Ododa briefly returned in that defeat but sat out the rematch against the Aces.

The Sun stayed competitive despite the absences, repeatedly cutting into double-digit deficits, yet could not match Wilson's scoring bursts. Las Vegas showed greater composure late, using free throws and half-court execution to close out the seven-point victory and maintain early-season momentum.

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The wider WNBA schedule also featured a dramatic finish in Indiana, where the Washington Mystics edged the Fever 104-102 in overtime. Sonia Citron scored 30 points and Kiki Iriafen contributed 25 points with 13 rebounds, combining to offset a late scoring surge from Caitlin Clark.

Clark poured in 17 points during the fourth quarter to drag Indiana back into the contest. The guard drilled a 3-pointer from the left wing with 1.7 seconds remaining in regulation, tying the game at 89-89. Citron answered with a heave from half-court, but the attempt left her hand after the buzzer.

In the extra period, Citron added five points and two assists, guiding Washington through key possessions. Clark finished with 32 points and seven 3-pointers, yet could not complete the comeback. Kelsey Mitchell scored 24 points for the Fever but missed two late free throws and a contested corner attempt at the overtime buzzer.

Las Vegas Aces frame Sparks and Tempo matchup on busy slate

Earlier on the West Coast, the Los Angeles Sparks earned their first win of the season by holding off the expansion Toronto Tempo 99-95. Kelsey Plum led the Sparks with 25 points, scoring 18 after half-time as Los Angeles recovered from Toronto's late charge in the franchise's first road game.

The Sparks built a 20-point advantage during the second half before the Tempo mounted a sustained rally, trimming the deficit to two with 2:23 left. Plum and Nneka Ogwumike answered with the next six points. Toronto again closed within three inside the final minute, creating a tense closing stretch.

Plum steadied Los Angeles by sinking two free throws with 13.8 seconds remaining, and Cameron Brink added two more with 8.9 seconds left for a 99-93 cushion. Ogwumike ended with 20 points, Dearica Hamby scored 19, Rae Burrell had 13, and Eric Wheeler added 10 for the Sparks, who face Toronto again on Sunday in Los Angeles.

The night across the league highlighted individual scoring displays, led by Wilson's 45 points for the Las Vegas Aces, Clark's late flurry for Indiana, and strong contributions from Citron, Iriafen, and Plum. Early-season form, injury absences and tight finishes combined to shape an eventful set of results.