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Aces Rout Fire 98-83 Behind Wilson’s 28 Carrington Accuses Aces’ Smith of Cheating, Sparks Online Fallout

7/29/2026

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Summary

Aces Defeat Fire

Las Vegas Aces defeated Portland Fire 98-83 on Tuesday.
A'ja Wilson posted 28 points and 14 rebounds, shooting 7-of-10 and 13-of-14 free throws.
Jackie Young added 25 points on 9-of-14 shooting as the Aces recorded 58% field-goal and 88.5% free-throw percentages.
The win moved Las Vegas to a 19-8 record and dropped Portland to 11-17.
The Aces opened a 36-21 first-quarter lead and never relinquished it.

Summary

Carrington Accuses

DiJonai Carrington, Chicago Sky guard, posted on Threads on July 26 accusing Las Vegas Aces forward NaLyssa Smith of cheating with Deja Kelly, a 24-year-old guard who scored 3,000 high-school points, and Aaliyah Nye.
Smith responded on Twitch and asked why Carrington aired them a year after their split.
Fans on X and Threads split, with some defending Carrington’s right to speak and others condemning the public airing of private matters.

History

Historical Context

In 1997 the WNBA launched with eight franchises, and its first game saw the New York Liberty defeat the Los Angeles Sparks before 14,284 fans. Early seasons recorded modest attendance. Today, the Las Vegas Aces’ win over the Portland Fire and ensuing social-media clash still echo those initial struggles for credibility and visibility.

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Aces Defeat Fire

Las Vegas Aces defeated Portland Fire 98-83 on Tuesday.
A'ja Wilson posted 28 points and 14 rebounds, shooting 7-of-10 and 13-of-14 free throws.
Jackie Young added 25 points on 9-of-14 shooting as the Aces recorded 58% field-goal and 88.5% free-throw percentages.
The win moved Las Vegas to a 19-8 record and dropped Portland to 11-17.
The Aces opened a 36-21 first-quarter lead and never relinquished it.

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