Las Vegas – In the third quarter of Sunday night’s matchup against the Toronto Tempo, Aces forward NaLyssa Smith went down with a left‑knee injury and was carried off the court. Smith did not return, and the team has not released further details about the severity or expected recovery timeline.
Impact on the Aces’ playoff run
Smith has been a key piece of the Aces’ success this season. She averages 11.7 points, 6.4 rebounds and shoots 63.8% from the field while logging 24.3 minutes per game. The 6‑foot‑4 forward has started all 38 games, providing the frontcourt with size, physicality and defensive versatility alongside four‑time MVP A’ja Wilson.
Acquired at the 2025 mid‑season trade deadline, Smith helped spark the Aces’ turnaround and contributed heavily in the postseason, posting 7.1 points and five rebounds per game in the playoffs, including back‑to‑back 18‑point and 16‑point performances against the Indiana Fever in the semifinals.
Depth players may see larger roles
If Smith’s injury proves season‑ending, Las Vegas will need to rely more heavily on its backup bigs. Cheyenne Parker‑Tyus, who missed the 2024 season while on maternity leave, is averaging 5.2 points and 2.6 rebounds in 10.7 minutes. Brianna Turner, in her first year with the Aces, contributes 1.6 points and 1.7 rebounds in 12.8 minutes. Kierstan Bell, a member of the roster since 2022, adds 2 points and 1.4 rebounds in 10.4 minutes. All three players could see increased minutes and responsibilities if Smith is sidelined for an extended period.
Standings and remaining schedule
The Aces currently sit third in the league with a 26‑13 record and have five regular‑season games left. They trail the Golden State Valkyries by half a game (25‑11) and sit 5.5 games behind the league‑leading Minnesota Lynx (31‑7). A prolonged absence for Smith could affect the Aces’ ability to maintain their position and secure home‑court advantage in the postseason.
What comes next?
The team has not announced a timeline for Smith’s return, and further medical evaluation will determine whether the injury is short‑term or season‑ending. Fans and analysts will be watching closely, as the Aces’ championship aspirations hinge on the health of their frontcourt.
Original reporting: All Sports Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
