A’ja Wilson is in her best form of the season after back-to-back 30-point games, but the recent update can pause her run. As the Las Vegas Aces get ready to face the New York Liberty for the 2026 Commissioner’s Cup Finals, Wilson is ruled out of the game. However, fans were certainly looking forward to the Aces clinching the tournament this season, as they made their feelings known about the news.
Wilson was clinical in the Aces’ last game against the Chicago Sky, with 30 points, 15 rebounds, four steals and three blocks. However, she also rolled her ankle in the fourth quarter, though she returned to the game later. There is no official confirmation that she was sidelined for the same ankle for now. Underdog WNBA shared the news on X:
“A’ja Wilson (leg) listed out Tuesday.”
Fans were disappointed by the Aces superstar missing the crucial Commissioner’s Cup championship game, as one speculated that she was dodging the game due to her rival, the Liberty center, Jonquel Jones, and wrote:
“Ducking jonquel”
Interestingly, the only game the Liberty has won in the last five was against the Aces, and the only game the Aces have lost in the last five was against the Liberty. That goes on to show the impact Jones has put in the paint against the legendary center. Another user highlighted the importance of the game:
“Wowww on the championship game of the commissioner cup too!!”
One fan went on to announce the winners of the game and the Commissioner’s Cup:
“Welp the NY liberty are your 2026 commissioners cup champions”
Another user wrote:
“Not the goat ducking”
Although there are no second thoughts about Wilson’s ability to dominate anyone when she is at her best, Jones limited her to 16 points, shooting 7 of 18 from the field when the two teams last met. This might be a concern for the team, but Wilson is not the one who backs away from a fight. For now, it’s a huge opportunity for the rest of the Aces crew to step up at the right time.
Can the Aces win the Commissioner’s Cup without A’ja Wilson?
There is no doubt about A’ja Wilson’s value on the Aces’ squad, but her absence might be a great opportunity for someone like NaLyssa Thomas or Jackie Young to step up and bring the trophy home. Wilson rolled her ankle in the last game, and resting might be the only option she has, given the season is not even halfway through.
Chelsea Gray has also played well in the last few games and would be ready for a challenge. Meanwhile, Young put up her season-high 28 points in the last game, shooting 9-14 from the field, and dished out eight assists.
On the other hand, Satou Sabally, who took a hit from Smith in the last game, is also ruled out of the next game, meaning the Liberty would also be short-handed. However, without Wilson in the paint, the Aces might be overexposed on defense. Only time will tell if the Aces can pull this off without their superstar in the lineup.
READ MORE: Lisa Leslie Sparks Caitlin Clark Fan Backlash After Crowning A’ja Wilson ‘Face of the WNBA’
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in the NBA, college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
