A’ja Wilson Exits Game with Head Injury
On Wednesday night, A’ja Wilson, the Las Vegas Aces’ star and three-time WNBA MVP, exited early in their 97–89 loss to the Los Angeles Sparks after suffering what appeared to be a head injury late in the third quarter (reuters.com).
The injury occurred when Dearica Hamby of the Sparks delivered a forceful elbow to Wilson’s nose. After the hit, Wilson was visibly bleeding, and team medical staff applied gauze before she left the game with 1:17 remaining in the third quarter. Shortly afterward, she departed from the bench and was officially ruled out for the fourth quarter (reuters.com).
Becky Hammon Confirms Doctor Visit Thursday
Following the game, Aces head coach Becky Hammon stated that Wilson would be evaluated by a doctor on Thursday, reflecting the seriousness of the situation and indicating uncertainty about her availability (reuters.com). Hammon said:
“I think she got elbowed by (Dearica) Hamby. I know she was bleeding. And I know she couldn’t come back.” (reuters.com)
Stat Line Before the Injury
Prior to exiting, Wilson had contributed significantly despite a tough shooting night (2-for-12). Her stat line included:
- 13 points
- 8 rebounds
- 5 assists
- 4 blocked shots (reuters.com, sportskeeda.com)
Her impact was evident, even in a game where Las Vegas fell short.
Doubtful for Upcoming Game
On Thursday, reports surfaced that Wilson is considered “doubtful” for the Aces’ next matchup on Friday against the Dallas Wings, again due to lingering concerns from the head injury (sportskeeda.com, nbcsports.com). This suggests the team may approach her playing status with caution as she undergoes medical evaluation before potentially returning.
Wilson’s Importance to the Aces
Wilson is the heart of the Aces’ offense and defense, averaging approximately:
- 20.9 points
- 9.6 rebounds
- 4.0 assists
- 2.6 blocks
- 2.0 steals
Her presence is crucial for their competitiveness, and her absence could significantly impact the team’s performance
Next Steps
The Aces will await Thursday’s medical evaluation before making a final decision on Wilson’s availability. With upcoming games against Dallas and then Phoenix, Coach Hammon confirmed they won’t be rushing her back prematurely.
Los Angeles could provide Jennifer Hammon with more clarity; returning first will depend on how Wilson responds this week
🔍 Why This Matters
- Team Dynamics: Wilson’s injury puts pressure on teammates like Kelsey Plum, Jackie Young, and Chelsea Gray to carry the offensive and defensive load.
- Playoff Positioning: The Aces are currently 4–4. Keeping Wilson healthy is vital as they fight to stay above .500 and secure a solid playoff seed.
- Player Safety: As one of the game’s most dominant players, prioritizing her health is essential—not just for this season, but for her career longevity.
📡 Stay Updated
Expect official word on Wilson’s status after her Thursday doctor’s visit. This will determine whether she’ll suit up Friday night in Dallas or recover at home—either way, the Aces aren’t taking any chances with their star.
