The Las Vegas Aces have struggled to recapture their vintage form this season, navigating a series of potential roadblocks during an uninspiring start.
As the calendar ticks closer to the All-Star break, the two-time WNBA champions now have another problem to juggle.
Reigning MVP Aâja Wilson is slated to undergo an MRI on her right wrist after she injured it during Tuesdayâs 87-78 loss to the New York Liberty.
The injury occurred during the second quarter when Wilson drove to the basket and landed hard on her right arm and wrist after attempting a layup.
Wilson stayed on the ground for a few minutes, and both her teammates and the teamâs medical staff rushed to her side. The 6-foot-4 forward played a few more possessions following a timeout, but eventually went to the locker room just before halftime.
Speaking with reporters postgame, coach Becky Hammon said she didnât know the severity of Wilsonâs injury. An MRI is scheduled for Wednesday.
âErr on the side of safety with her,â Hammon said via ESPN. âBig picture, our season is bigger than just this one game, so we want to make sure sheâs not putting herself at any risk of injuring anything or damaging anything.â
How Does A’ja Wilson’s Injury Impact the Aces?
Las Vegas can ill afford to lose Wilson for any period of time. A three-time MVP and seven-time All-Star, Wilson is ranked second in the league in scoring (20.7) and rebounding (8.7) and fourth in steals (1.7). She is also tied with Alanna Smith for the league lead in blocks (2.4).
Earlier in the night, Wilson was selected by Caitlin Clark to play alongside her in the All-Star Game on July 19 in Indianapolis.
âWe know sheâs the heart and soul of this team,â guard Jackie Young said via the Associated Press. âShe has our back every night.â
The Aces, who visit the Washington Mystics on Thursday, went 2-1 earlier this season when Wilson missed three games while in concussion protocol.
Wilson won 2023 Finals MVP and was instrumental in helping the Aces defend their title in 2024. That same year, Wilson was named MVP of the Summer Olympics in France, as the United States won its eighth consecutive gold medal.
Las Vegas Off to Uncharacteristically Slow Start
Despite Wilsonâs brilliance, the Aces are just 4-6 over their last 10 games and remain a game under .500 as the All-Star break approaches.
At 9-10, they have already lost more games than they did in all of 2023, when they went 34-6 and beat the Liberty in four games to capture their second straight championship.
The Aces entered Wednesday a half-game behind the expansion Golden State Valkyries (9-9) for sixth place; the top eight teams make the playoffs.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post WNBA MVP Suffers Injury on Scary Fall, MRI Planned appeared first on Heavy Sports.