Full Breakdown
Aces Edge Sky in Overtime at T-Mobile Arena
7/4/2026, 1:33:54 PM
Game Overview
On Friday, July 4, 2026, the Las Vegas Aces defeated the Chicago Sky 98-90 in overtime at T-Mobile Arena. Playing without MVP A’ja Wilson, the Aces closed overtime with a 10-point run, delivering the franchise’s 500th win. Chelsea Gray contributed two decisive jumpers in the final minute, and NaLyssa Smith posted a career-high 29 points on 11-of-14 shooting. Chicago erased a 9-point fourth-quarter deficit, took a two-point lead with under a minute left, but a turnover by Courtney Vandersloot and a missed three-pointer by Natasha Cloud ended the comeback.
Background & Recent Context
The game followed a 107-99 Aces win on the road and a Commissioner’s Cup loss to the New York Liberty. Both teams entered tied for the league lead in blocked shots per game (Aces 5.4, Sky 5.5). The Sky, 6-14, had not played since Sunday; the Aces moved to 15-5.
Key Performers
NaLyssa Smith led Las Vegas with 29 points and eight rebounds; Chelsea Gray added 18 points and six assists; Jewell Loyd scored 19. For Chicago, Skylar Diggins had 19, Kamila Cardoso 16 and 10 rebounds, Natasha Cloud 15, and Courtney Vandersloot 11 before sitting out overtime.
Statistical Highlights
The Aces shot 35-of-69 (50.7%) versus Chicago’s 28-of-65 (43.1%). Las Vegas outrebounded the Sky by 1.9 per game and outscored them 12-4 in overtime. Both led the league in blocked shots; the Aces posted a 48.8% field-goal rate.
Official Statements & Responses
Coach Tyler Marsh said the Sky “had moments where we could have put the game away.” Vandersloot noted “plays in our control didn’t go our way” and stressed learning. Diggins cited the overturned foul call as a swing. Aces reps praised the 10-point overtime run.
Criticism & Opposition
Chicago’s comeback stalled after Vandersloot’s turnover and Cloud’s missed three-pointer. An offensive-foul reversal on Cloud’s lay-in shifted momentum, and the Aces shot only 4-of-22 from three.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Reports list the Aces as 15-5 or 14-5 and the Sky as 6-14 or 6-13; field-goal percentages vary between 50.7% and 48.8%.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We had our moments where we felt like we could have put the game away, and we didn’t,” — Tyler Marsh, Chicago Sky head coach
- “We had a chance to win,” — Courtney Vandersloot, Chicago Sky point guard
- “There were plays in our control that didn’t go our way, and we learned from it and move on. We’re gonna find ways to win games.” — Courtney Vandersloot, Chicago Sky point guard
- “There was a huge swing with that call,” — Skylar Diggins, Chicago Sky guard
What’s Next
The Sky travel to Phoenix on Tuesday; the Aces will look to extend their home success in upcoming games.
