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Defending Aces Lose 99-66, End 16-Game Streak

5/11/2026

34 2 Full Breakdown

Summary

Aces Suffer Defeat

The Aces fell 99-66 to Phoenix, the biggest opening loss for a defending WNBA champion.
The Aces received 2025 rings at T-Mobile Arena on May 9, 2026, after which Wilson said she hates split-focus ceremonies.
Jovana Nogic scored 19 points while Alyssa Thomas added 20 with nine assists as Mercury led 41-23 in Q2.
The loss ended a 16-game streak and sent the Aces to Los Angeles to play the Sparks Sunday.

Summary

Aces Unveil Rings

The Las Vegas Aces championship rings feature a removable top and a 14-karat white-gold panel that lists names and positions, the top letting players wear the piece during games, a feature highlighted as the first for WNBA rings.
Phoenix Mercury opened with a 33-point win, the biggest since a 95-60 win over Indiana on Aug. 7.
Rookie Jovana Nogic scored all 19 points in the first half of her first career start.

History

Historical Context

Since the WNBA’s 1997 launch, the Houston Comets set a precedent by winning the first four titles and posting a league-record 27-3 (.900) season in 1998, proving early dominance can be fleeting. The Las Vegas Aces, who captured championships in 2022-2023, now face a 99-66 loss to the Phoenix Mercury in 2026, echoing that early triumphs do not guarantee lasting supremacy.

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Aces Suffer Defeat

The Aces fell 99-66 to Phoenix, the biggest opening loss for a defending WNBA champion.
The Aces received 2025 rings at T-Mobile Arena on May 9, 2026, after which Wilson said she hates split-focus ceremonies.
Jovana Nogic scored 19 points while Alyssa Thomas added 20 with nine assists as Mercury led 41-23 in Q2.
The loss ended a 16-game streak and sent the Aces to Los Angeles to play the Sparks Sunday.

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