Latest news with #NaLyssaSmith
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
A'ja Wilson Drops 29 Birthday Buckets As Aces Set WNBA Record With 40th Consecutive Sellout
Friday night's game had an undeniable celebration vibe, and not only because they won the game 90-86. As the Aces faced the Seattle Storm, two Aces players - and NaLyssa Smith - celebrated their birthdays, and the team set the record for most consecutive sellouts. To celebrate star player Wilson, the team's hosts, CJ & Joe, and the team mascot, BUCKET$, all donned pink wigs and fits in honor of her 29th birthday. Aces Deal The Storm A Losing Hand On A Historic Night In Las Vegas It was a great birthday game for Wilson, who led the Aces to an impressive win over the Storm, 90-86. She played 35 minutes, scoring 29 points (ironically, on her 29th birthday), had 12 rebounds, and three assists. Jackie Young added 26 points, with her second basket in the first half moving her past coach Becky Hammon for fifth in franchise history for most made field goals. She capped a 9-0 run with seven straight points, pushing the Aces ahead halfway through the third quarter. Chelsea Gray scored 13 points, and Wilson's birthday twin, Smith, had 10 points and 11 rebounds. The Aces Had Their 40th Consecutive Sellout Friday Night During the game, it was announced that the Aces set the WNBA record for most consecutive sellouts during Friday night's game. On IG, the team shared, "𝐀𝐋𝐋 𝐈𝐍 𝐀𝐓 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐒𝐄 Our 40th straight sold out game marks the most consecutive sellouts in WNBA history!" One person took to the comments to say, "Everyone watches women's sports." Another wrote, "We're gonna need a bigger arena." And one other fan shared, "Because win or lose, Vegas shows up! Y'all got the whole city behind you!" Many others just left fire and clapping emojis to show their excitement for the amazing milestone. Birthday Celebrations For A'ja Wilson And NaLyssa Smith! Friday night was a celebration from warmups to the final buzzer because it was Wilson and Smith's birthdays. Many fans held up birthday signs in the crowd for the two, and the hosts and mascots even wore pink wigs and attire, as well as pink A'One sneakers in honor Wilson. The team shared some birthday love on their IG page, captioning the post, "Birthday celly the way only Vegas could." Many fans shared their thoughts in the comment section. "I love how they celebrate each other!!!" one person wrote. Another added, "Fantastic birthday win!" A few others pointed out the "big Leo" energy. Nothing Was Thrown In Michelob ULTRA Arena During The Aces Game There's been a lot of buzz lately about inappropriate objects being thrown onto the court during WNBA games. And while it's happened multiple times in the past two weeks, it did not happen in Vegas on Friday night. Security was on high alert, and it appeared there were more eyes on the court and in the crowd than usual. Players and coaches have been speaking out about this dangerous prank that could potentially hurt someone. And before the Aces game Friday night, the announcer shared that it is now a felony to throw anything onto the court. The person who threw a sex toy onto the court during the Golden State Valkyries vs. Atlanta Dream game on July 29 was arrested and charged with multiple offenses. It then happened again at the Golden State Valkyries vs. Chicago Sky game on August 1, and at the Indiana Fever vs. Los Angeles Sparks game on August 5. A second person was arrested at the Phoenix Mercury vs. Connecticut Sun game on August 5. Aces Recently Held A Back-To-School Drive And Fantasy Camp The Aces love being part of their Vegas community. They recently held a back-to-school drive and had their inaugural fantasy camp. On Thursday, two Aces players - Kiah Stokes and Dana Evans - helped pass out school supplies at the team's annual back-to-school drive held at Aces Headquarters. 'It was exciting when you get new things,' Aces Center Stokes said, according to KTNV. 'I think it makes the learning environment better, it made me want to learn, so hopefully it does the same for these kids.' Along with Stokes, Evans also helped to pass out tons of school supply items and 300 backpacks to kindergarten through 12th grade Title I Clark County School District students. 'They support and ride out with us, so I think it's only right for us to give back in ways like this,' Evans shared. The team's inaugural fantasy camp took place last weekend. According to their IG post, "The weekend included events such as competing on the Aces court, practiced with Coach Becky Hammon, and trained with franchise alumni Edna Campbell and Adrianne Ross at Aces HQ." Next up for the Aces - Sunday, Aug. 10 they face the Connecticut Sun at home, and then on Wednesday, Aug. 13, they go up against the New York Liberty, also at home.
Yahoo
13-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Wings shockingly trade NaLyssa Smith to Aces
The post Wings shockingly trade NaLyssa Smith to Aces appeared first on ClutchPoints. The Dallas Wings have traded forward NaLyssa Smith to the Las Vegas Aces for Las Vegas' first round pick in 2027, the team announced Monday. Forward Kaila Charles — who was signed to a hardship contract — was also released in order to complete the trade. Advertisement Smith was initially acquired by the Wings during a trade this past offseason. The 24-year-old averaged 6.7 points and 4.9 rebounds per outing across 18 games played (15 starts) with Dallas. Before joining the Wings, Smith had spent the 2022-2024 seasons in Indiana with the Fever. Now, she will begin a new chapter in her WNBA career with the Aces. Charles, 27, originally signed with the Wings before the season. She was later released but was signed to a hardship contract after Teaira McCowan and Luisa Geiselsoder left for EuroBasket. With Geiselsoder and McCowan set to return this week, Charles would have been released regardless. Haley Jones — who was also on a hardship contract — was released on Sunday. McCowan and Geiselsoder's returns may have played a role in the Wings deciding to trade Smith. Dallas now has plenty of forward/center depth with Li Yueru and Myisha Hines-Allen also on the roster. Finding playing time for all five players may have been difficult. Additionally, the Wings received a valuable first round pick in the 2027 WNBA Draft by trading Smith to the Aces. With all of that being said, the decision was still surprising. At just 24 years old, Smith could have factored into Dallas' long-term plans. Her numbers may not have been terrific, but Smith still made an impact on the Wings. In the end, Dallas clearly felt that it was time to move in a different direction. Advertisement The Wings will play their first game of the 2025 WNBA season without NaLyssa Smith on Thursday night against the Phoenix Mercury. Tip-off is scheduled for 8 PM EST. Related: Will DiJonai Carrington return for Wings' next game vs. Mercury? Related: Sonia Citron's game gets 'silky smooth' claim after Mystics-Wings clash
Yahoo
06-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Fever Fans React to Traded Player's Return to Indiana During Aces Game
Fever Fans React to Traded Player's Return to Indiana During Aces Game originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Indiana Fever hosted the Las Vegas Aces on Thursday night in what turned out to be a lopsided affair. Despite not having star guard Caitlin Clark available due to injury, the Fever were still able to dominate the Aces en route to an impressive 81-54 blowout win. Advertisement Thursday's game also marked the return of NaLyssa Smith to Indianapolis following her offseason trade from the Fever. The former No. 2 overall pick, who spent the first three years of her career in Indiana, was traded to the Dallas Wings in February as part of the Sophie Cunningham deal. Smith's time in Dallas did not last long, though, with the Wings opting to trade her again on Monday to the Aces in exchange for a future first-round pick. Incidentally, Smith's first game for her new team came against the Fever, and in Gainbridge Fieldhouse, no less. This gave Indiana the opportunity to acknowledge the 6-foot-4 forward's return on Thursday night, which drew cheers from the fans in attendance. Advertisement The Fever supporters gave Smith an ovation as her name was announced on the PA system. The former Baylor star acknowledged the reception by raising her hands and gesturing to the crowd. Indiana Fever forward NaLyssa Smith during a game. © Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images Smith came off the bench in her first game for Las Vegas, logging four points on 1-of-6 shooting, seven rebounds and a steal in 23 minutes of action. It was far from an incredible debut, but the 24-year-old could potentially play a significant role in the Aces' rotation moving forward as a frontcourt backup. Related: Former Fever Player to Face Indiana in First Game with New Team After Unexpected Trade Related: Caitlin Clark Gets Official All-Star Game News on Thursday Related: Dallas Wings Rookie Enters Caitlin Clark Territory After Historic Game This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 4, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
04-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Former No. 2 Overall Pick Gets Honest on Indiana Fever Trade
Former No. 2 Overall Pick Gets Honest on Indiana Fever Trade originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Indiana Fever made a lot of moves during the offseason to try to build the best roster around Caitlin Clark. Things haven't worked out perfectly for them thus far — they are currently 8-8 on the season — but there's no denying that this team has a lot of potential. Advertisement The arrival of new players also meant that a number of others had to leave. One of them was NaLyssa Smith, who spent the first three years of her career in Indiana after the team selected her as the No. 2 overall pick in the 2022 WNBA Draft. Smith aired her frustrations with her role for the Fever last season, which ultimately led to her trade to the Dallas Wings. It wasn't an easy transition for the former Baylor star, but she has since been able to move on and find herself in a better position. 'I always say it's a blessing in disguise,' Smith said on Friday ahead of the Wings-Fever game, via Nathan Baird of IndyStar. 'Trades aren't always a negative thing. It can always also be a positive thing. 'I think it came in a good light for me, at a good time. I'm about family, friends, good environment, my teammates — so it's been good for me.' Advertisement Indiana Fever forward NaLyssa Smith reacts during a game. © Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images Smith's role with the Fever was one of the reasons behind her frustration last season. For what it's worth, she is now playing 19.1 minutes per game for Dallas, compared to the 24.8 minutes she played for Indiana last term. In 18 games played for the Wings thus far, the 6-foot-4 forward has averaged 6.7 points and 4.9 rebounds, which are both career-low numbers for her. Related: Fever Coach Stephanie White Issues Apology After Caitlin Clark Decision Related: A Caitlin Clark Comment on Sophie Cunningham is Trending Related: Former Fever Player Reveals Striking Similarity Between Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 30, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
04-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Former Fever Player Returns to Indiana After Unexpected Trade Decision
Former Fever Player Returns to Indiana After Unexpected Trade Decision originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Fresh off their historic Commissioner's Cup championship, the Indiana Fever return to Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Thursday for a home game against the Las Vegas Aces. Advertisement Unfortunately, Caitlin Clark has been ruled out of the matchup already as the reigning WNBA Rookie of the Year sits out a fourth straight contest due to a lingering groin injury. Another player who the fans will have an eye on in this one will be NaLyssa Smith, who is set to make her debut for the Aces following her mid-season trade from the Dallas Wings. Las Vegas is Smith's third team in the span of just five months after the Fever traded her to the Wings in February. The former 6-foot-4 forward was delighted with her move to Dallas as it brought her closer to her girlfriend, Wings guard DiJonai Carrington. Indiana Fever forward NaLyssa Smith covers her face with her jersey. © Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images This is one of the reasons why Smith admitted that she was "sick to my stomach" after learning about Dallas' unexpected trade decision. Advertisement On Wednesday, the Aces took to Instagram to share a collection of photos of Smith practicing with her new teammates. What makes the post quite interesting is the fact that they were taken inside the Gainbridge Fieldhouse's practice facility. View the original article to see embedded media. Smith's first game with her new team will be against the Fever, which is the same side that selected her second overall in the 2022 WNBA Draft. The former Baylor star spent the first three seasons of her career in Indianapolis, which means that Thursday's game is going to be a homecoming of sorts for Smith. It will be intriguing to see what type of reception she gets from the Indiana faithful and if the Fever will acknowledge Smith in her return to her former stomping ground. Advertisement Related: Former No. 2 Overall Pick Gets Honest on Indiana Fever Trade Related: Caitlin Clark Responds to Fever Coach's 'Cut' From $500,000 Prize Money Related: Former Fever Player Reveals Striking Similarity Between Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 3, 2025, where it first appeared.
