The Las Vegas Aces faced an unsettling moment on Tuesday night in New York when their superstar, A’ja Wilson, left the game early after a frightening fall. What began as a routine drive to the basket quickly turned into the defining moment of the night, leaving the Aces and their fans holding their breath.
The Incident in the Second Quarter
With 4:13 left before halftime and the Aces trailing the Liberty 33-30, Wilson attacked the rim. Liberty forward Leonie Fiebich fouled her on the play, and the contact sent Wilson off balance. She tumbled hard to the court, landing awkwardly on her shoulder and wrists. The sound of her impact hushed the arena.
Wilson immediately reached for her wrist, grimacing in pain. Teammates rushed to her side, shielding her with towels as she remained on the floor. The sight of one of the league’s brightest stars laid out in visible distress cast a shadow over what had been an intense first half.
Wilson’s Grit Before Exiting
Despite the pain, Wilson showed her trademark toughness. Rising to her feet, she walked to the free-throw line and calmly knocked down both shots, drawing a wave of applause from both Aces fans and respectful Liberty supporters in attendance.
She even tried to push through the injury, staying on the floor for another possession, where she grabbed a rebound. But it was clear she was laboring. Head coach Becky Hammon made the call to sub her out with 2:22 left in the quarter, ending her night earlier than anyone expected.
Diagnosis and Immediate Aftermath
At halftime, the Aces confirmed what many feared: Wilson would not return. She had sustained a right wrist injury. When the third quarter began, she was back on the bench, her wrist wrapped in a brace, offering support to her teammates while unable to contribute on the floor.
Wilson closed with an uncharacteristic stat line — two points on 0-for-3 shooting, including a missed three, plus four rebounds and two assists. For a player who so often defines games with her dominance, the numbers told the story of a night cut short.
After the game, Hammon told reporters that Wilson will undergo an MRI on Wednesday morning to determine the severity of the injury. Until then, the extent of her absence remains unknown.
The All-Star Game in Jeopardy
The timing could not be more difficult. Wilson has already been named a starter for Team Caitlin Clark in the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game, set for July 19 in Indianapolis. Whether she will be able to suit up now hangs in the balance.
Fans across the league had looked forward to seeing her headline the marquee event. Now, that appearance may be in doubt, with the MRI results set to dictate whether her All-Star status remains intact or gives way to recovery time.
A Season Marked by Setbacks
This is not the first blow Wilson has endured this season. On June 11, during a matchup against the Los Angeles Sparks, she was struck in the face while defending Dearica Hamby. The impact forced her into concussion protocol, sidelining her for three straight games.
For a player of Wilson’s caliber — a three-time MVP, the heartbeat of the Aces, and one of the most recognizable faces of the WNBA — these interruptions not only test her resilience but also the depth and adaptability of her team.
What Comes Next
For now, all eyes are on Wednesday’s medical results. The Aces, defending champions and favorites to contend again, can ill afford to lose Wilson for an extended stretch. Her leadership, scoring, and rebounding are the engine of Las Vegas’ dominance.
If Wilson is forced to miss significant time, the Aces will face the challenge of adjusting quickly in a fiercely competitive league. For her teammates, it becomes a test of unity and balance. For fans, it’s an anxious wait to see if their star can return in time to steady the team and light up the All-Star Game as expected.
Until then, the story remains one of concern, perseverance, and the uncertain shadow cast by a fall that changed the course of a night in New York.
