The Las Vegas Aces strengthened their hold on the WNBA Commissioner's Cup Western Conference race with a 100-97 win over the Minnesota Lynx at Michelob ULTRA Arena, moving to 5-0 in Cup play with two games left.
The result ended Minnesota's eight-game winning streak and extended Las Vegas' run to six straight wins. ESPN's event summary verified the game as final, with both teams moving to 10-3 overall.
Aces Close It Out At The Free Throw Line
The game between the top two teams in the WNBA standings came down to the final minute. ESPN reported that Las Vegas went 7-for-7 at the free throw line in the last 44.3 seconds, enough to protect the lead after Minnesota stayed within one possession.
The Aces finished 17-for-19 on free throws and made 11 of 25 3-pointers. They also shot 54% from the field, a useful number in a game where neither coaching staff was likely to enjoy the defensive film.
A'ja Wilson led Las Vegas with 24 points and 10 rebounds. Chelsea Gray added 23 points and seven assists, while Jackie Young finished with 16 points and 10 assists.
Gray Keeps Las Vegas' Perimeter Surge Going
Gray's shooting gave the Aces another layer. ESPN reported she made six 3-pointers Saturday after tying a WNBA single-game record with nine against the Portland Fire on Thursday.
Her 15 3-pointers across the two games tied the WNBA record for a two-game span, matching Kayla McBride in 2024 and Diana Taurasi in 2020, according to ESPN.
That perimeter burst matters in Cup play because margins can turn quickly. Las Vegas still has Cup games at Dallas on Monday and at Phoenix on Wednesday, and its 5-0 West record gives it room without making the final official yet.
Lynx Streak Ends Despite Miles' 29
Olivia Miles scored 29 points for Minnesota, which fell to 4-1 in Cup play. The Lynx remained level with Las Vegas at 10-3 overall, but the Cup standings shifted toward the Aces with the head-to-head result.
The Commissioner's Cup final is scheduled for June 30 and matches the top Cup team from each conference. ESPN reported the New York Liberty lead the Eastern Conference standings at 4-0.
Las Vegas have reached the Cup final twice before, winning in 2022 and losing to New York in 2023. The immediate math is not complicated: two more Cup games remain, and Saturday's win gave the Aces control of the West race.