Las Vegas Aces defeated Chicago Sky 98-90 after overtime on Friday, with NaLyssa Smith proving the decisive figure as she poured in 29 points to guide the hosts through a tense finish at T-Mobile Arena. In a fixture that stayed alive deep into the fourth quarter, the Aces found the extra edge in the additional period.
There were no goal scorers to list in this contest, but there was no shortage of momentum swings. Las Vegas looked the sharper side early, taking the opening quarter 22-19 before stretching the margin with a 27-18 second period. That left the home team 49-37 ahead at the break and seemingly in control of the match.
Chicago responded impressively after halftime. The Sky tightened up, found more rhythm in possession, and turned the third period into a genuine contest by winning it 27-21. Their 22 points in the fourth quarter, compared with 16 from the Aces, completed the comeback in regulation and forced overtime at 86-86.
That was the pivotal moment of the night. After allowing their lead to slip, the Aces settled themselves in the extra period and produced a composed closing stretch. Las Vegas outscored Chicago 12-4 in overtime, controlling the key possessions and getting to the line often enough to secure the victory.
Smith was the standout performer and the main attacking reference throughout. Her 29 points and eight rebounds gave Las Vegas a reliable platform, while Chelsea Gray added structure with six assists. The Aces did not have a big night from long range, making only four three-pointers at 18.2 percent, but they compensated by shooting 50.7 percent overall and generating 24 made free throws.
Chicago had enough contributions to believe it could take the result. Skylar Diggins led the visitors with 19 points, while Kamilla Cardoso posted 16 points and 10 rebounds for a double-double. Natasha Cloud chipped in five assists as the Sky moved the ball well in spells, finishing with 20 assists to Las Vegas’ 17. Still, the visitors could not sustain that level in overtime, where their offense stalled badly.
From a tactical standpoint, this was a fixture won by Las Vegas’ efficiency inside the arc and its ability to manage the decisive stretch. The Sky were better from three-point range at 35.0 percent and also strong at the foul line, but the Aces’ 35 made field goals compared with Chicago’s 28 gave them the stronger attacking base over the course of the match.
Key performers
Las Vegas Aces: NaLyssa Smith, 29 points and 8 rebounds; Chelsea Gray, 6 assists.
Chicago Sky: Skylar Diggins, 19 points; Kamilla Cardoso, 16 points and 10 rebounds; Natasha Cloud, 5 assists.
NerdSports Stat: Las Vegas won despite hitting just 4 of 22 from three-point range, becoming the rarer kind of overtime winner that took the match through paint scoring, free throws and a 12-4 extra-period finish rather than perimeter volume.
The result lifts Las Vegas to 15-5 and strengthens the Aces’ push near the top of the Women’s National Basketball Association standings, while Chicago drops to 6-14 and is left searching for consistency. For the Aces, this was not a flawless display, but it was a valuable one. Their next fixture now carries added momentum, while the Sky must quickly regroup after letting a strong comeback go unrewarded.
Frequently Asked Questions
No goal scorers were recorded in the provided match data.
Las Vegas Aces 98 – 90 Chicago Sky.
Las Vegas Aces improved to 15-5 and strengthened their position near the top of the standings, while Chicago Sky fell to 6-14.
NaLyssa Smith was the standout performer with 29 points and 8 rebounds.
