Full Breakdown
Sparks Snap Aces' Home Streak, 101-95
5/24/2026, 12:19:43 PM
Game Summary
On May 23, 2026, the Los Angeles Sparks beat the Las Vegas Aces 101–95 in Las Vegas. Kelsey Plum posted a season-high 38 points, nine assists and four rebounds; Erica Wheeler’s late three-pointer gave the Sparks a 97–94 lead.
Background & Context
Kelsey Plum, a former Aces guard, was traded to the Sparks in a three-team deal. She entered 2026 leading the league at 26.8 PPG and became the third player to score 25+ points in five of her first six games. The Aces arrived on a 20-of-21 win streak and were top defensive team.
Key Players
- Kelsey Plum – 38 points, 9 assists, 4 rebounds.
- Erica Wheeler – 10 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists; go-ahead three.
- Dearica Hamby – 27 points, 15 rebounds.
- A’ja Wilson – 24 points, 15 rebounds.
- Lynne Roberts – Sparks head coach.
Data & Statistics
Sparks shot 46.9 % from three (15-of-32) and 58.9 %; Aces shot 48.8 % from three and 57.3 %. Plum’s 38 points set a high; his 9 assists matched his best. Aces fell to 0-2 at home; record listed as 4-2 (ESPN) vs. 4-1 (PrizePicks).
Why It Matters
The loss ended the Aces’ home winning streak and gave the Sparks a .500 record (3-3). Plum’s dominant performance against his former team could shift early-season power dynamics in the Western Conference.
Official Statements & Responses
Plum stressed patience and trust in the coaching staff. Wheeler joked, “When she’s on a heater, I’m running to the corner.” Roberts praised Plum’s competitiveness and said he deserves more MVP discussion.
Criticism & Opposition
Analysts said the Aces’ interior scoring and three-point shooting could not offset late-quarter defensive lapses, and missed free throws in the final minute exposed an unusual weakness for a typically clutch team.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the Aces’ record before the game: ESPN lists 4-2, while PrizePicks cites 4-1. No comments from Aces coach Becky Hammon or A’ja Wilson were provided, leaving the team’s perspective undocumented.
Verbatim Quotes
- “You get to a point in the league where you're seeing a lot of different coverages. I really appreciate that coach [ Lynne Roberts ] has a lot of trust in me, and my teammates trust me to make decisions.” — Kelsey Plum, Sparks guard
- “When she's on a heater, I'm running to the corner. Don't even look at me, don't pass me the ball, stay on the heater.” — Erica Wheeler, Sparks guard
- “I personally don't think she gets talked about enough in the best player conversations, those MVP conversations.” — Lynne Roberts, Sparks head coach
- “She's competitive as hell,” — Lynne Roberts, Sparks head coach
What's Next
The Sparks travel to Dallas on Thursday to face the Aces again, while Las Vegas seeks its first home win of the season against the Dallas Wings on Friday.
