A’ja Wilson pours in 29 on her 29th birthday and Jackie Young delivers in the clutch as the Las Vegas Aces hold off a fierce Seattle Storm comeback in a 90–86 classic.
Storm vs Aces Rivalry
The Seattle Storm vs Las Vegas Aces defines modern WNBA drama. A storied interconference matchup, it blends elite talent, playoff stakes, and legacy players—especially with A’ja Wilson anchoring the Aces and the Storm fostering rising stars. Whether it’s regular season battles or postseason tension, every meeting carries weight.
Game Recap: Aces Narrowly Beat Storm 90–86
On August 8, 2025, the Aces celebrated a special moment: center A’ja Wilson scored 29 points and grabbed 12 rebounds on her 29th birthday, leading her team to a thrilling 90–86 victory over the Storm. Jackie Young added 26 points, including a dagger 3-pointer with 51 seconds left to seal the deal. Rookie **Dominique Malonga responded with a standout 22-point, 12-rebound effort for Seattle—making it a back-and-forth battle until the last minute.
Key Highlights & Turning Points
- A Strong Start: Las Vegas built an early double-digit lead thanks to efficient scoring and physical play in the paint.
- Seattle’s Surge: The Storm heated up in the third and early fourth—highlighted by Malonga’s burst—which brought them within striking distance.
- Closing Moment: In the final minute, Jackie Young pulled up and buried a big three, followed by free throws that secured the win.
Player Spotlights
- A’ja Wilson: MVP vibes on her big day—29 points, 12 rebounds, leading the Aces once again.
- Jackie Young: A clutch bucket-maker—26 points, 5 assists, including the late go-ahead three.
- NaLyssa Smith: The underrated force—posted a double-double (10 PTS, 12 REB) that bolstered the interior.
- Dominique Malonga: Proved her worth—22 PTS, 12 REB in a special performance for Seattle’s future.
Double-doubles for our birthday twins 🥳👯@_ajawilson22 // @NaLyssaSmith pic.twitter.com/oJPqqWtkO0
— Las Vegas Aces (@LVAces) August 9, 2025
Tactical Takeaways
- Experience vs Youth: Aces relied on veteran poise down the stretch; the Storm showcased emerging talent (look at Malonga).
- Execution Under Pressure: Aces defensive discipline and composure in crunch time made the difference.
- Depth Matters: Vegas got contributions from multiple players across rotation; Seattle leaned heavily on Malonga and was competitive thanks to bench scoring.
What This Means Moving Forward
- Las Vegas—This ride boosts morale and showcases why they remain contenders. Depth, leadership, and clutch scoring put them ahead.
- Seattle—Despite the loss, Seattle’s young core, especially Malonga, gives hope. Building around her emergence could define their second-half push.