Las Vegas Aces claimed a 98-83 victory over Portland Fire on Tuesday, July 28, with A’ja Wilson delivering the pivotal performance in Las Vegas. Wilson’s 28 points and 14 rebounds set the tone as the Aces took control early and never let the Fire turn the contest into a late fight.
The decisive stretch came in the opening period, when Las Vegas poured in 36 points and immediately put Portland on the back foot. That fast start gave the home side a 15-point cushion after one quarter, and it shaped the rest of the night at Michelob ULTRA Arena.
Portland did settle into the fixture in the second quarter, trimming the damage with a more composed spell on both ends, but the Aces still went into the break with a 53-37 advantage. Their ball movement was sharp throughout, and Chelsea Gray’s seven assists helped Las Vegas keep finding high-percentage looks.
The Fire’s best response arrived after halftime. Portland posted 27 points in the third quarter, with Megan DiLeo leading the way on her 20-point night, while Emily Engstler added work on the glass and finished with 10 rebounds. For a spell, the visitors looked capable of applying real pressure.
But every time Portland hinted at a push, Las Vegas had an answer. Wilson remained the standout, combining interior finishing with control on the boards, and the Aces’ efficiency ultimately made the difference. Las Vegas shot 57.9 percent from the floor and 40.9 percent from three-point range, numbers that gave Portland too much to overcome despite winning the rebound battle 33-30.
Key performers
Wilson was the clear player of the night, finishing with 28 points and 14 rebounds in a commanding all-around display. Gray’s seven assists kept the attack flowing, while the Aces also benefited from nine made three-pointers and 23 made free throws.
For Portland, DiLeo’s 20 points provided the main attacking spark, and Engstler’s 10 rebounds gave the Fire some much-needed second-effort presence. Bridget Carleton led the visitors with four assists, but Portland’s 39.7 percent shooting left them chasing the match for long stretches.
NerdSports Stat: Las Vegas scored 36.7% of its total points in the first quarter alone, a burst that effectively decided the fixture before halftime.
This result lifts the Aces to 19-8 and strengthens their position near the top end of the WNBA standings, while Portland drops to 11-17 and remains under pressure in the playoff chase. Las Vegas will feel encouraged by the authority of this home performance, while the Fire now turn to their next fixture needing a quicker start and greater shooting efficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions
No goal scorers were recorded in the provided match data. A’ja Wilson led Las Vegas with 28 points, while Megan DiLeo had 20 for Portland.
Las Vegas Aces 98 – 83 Portland Fire.
Las Vegas improved to 19-8 and boosted its standing near the top of the league, while Portland fell to 11-17 and remains in need of points in the playoff race.
A’ja Wilson was the standout performer with 28 points and 14 rebounds.
