A’ja Wilson Suffers Wrist Injury in Game Against New York Liberty

On Tuesday, Las Vegas Aces star A’ja Wilson suffered a right wrist injury during her team’s 87-78 loss to the New York Liberty. The injury occurred in the second quarter when Wilson drove to the basket and took an awkward fall after being fouled by Leonie Fiebich. Her legs were taken out from under her, and she tried to brace her fall with her hands as she crashed to the ground. Wilson stayed down on the ground for a brief period before the Aces’ medical staff and her teammates rushed to her side. Her teammates held up towels to provide a sense of privacy.

Despite the injury, Wilson remained on the floor to take her free throws. According to WNBA rules, if she had not done so, she would not have been able to return to the game. She continued to play for a few more possessions but eventually went to the locker room just before halftime. When the teams returned to the court for the second half, Wilson was nowhere to be seen and was soon ruled out for the remainder of the game.

Aces coach Becky Hammon did not have an update on Wilson’s condition after the game but mentioned that Wilson would undergo an MRI on Wednesday. The extent of the injury is still unknown, but the Aces will be hoping for a quick recovery. Wilson’s absence could have significant implications for the team, especially given their current standing in the league.

This season has been a challenging one for the 2022 and 2023 WNBA champions. With Tuesday’s defeat, the Aces fell below .500 to a 9-10 record, placing them ninth in the standings. If the season ended today, they would not make the playoffs. The injury to their star player, who previously missed three games with a concussion, is the last thing the team needs at this point.

Jackie Young, one of Wilson’s teammates, expressed the team’s concern and solidarity. “Whenever a person goes out, we all try to step up. I mean, it’s A’ja Wilson; not one person can just fill that role,” Young said. “We just all try to make it a team effort, but we came up a little bit short. Hoping that it’s nothing too serious… She’s the heart and soul of this team, so we all have her back. She has our back every night.”

Wilson, who won her third MVP award last season, has once again been a standout player. Entering Tuesday’s game, she was averaging 21.9 points, nine rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.8 steals, and 2.6 blocks. She leads the Aces in points, rebounds, steals, and blocks and is top-five in the league in all four of those categories.

A’ja Wilson suffered a right wrist injury during the second quarter of the game against the New York Liberty. She took an awkward fall after being fouled by Leonie Fiebich.

Wilson will undergo an MRI on Wednesday to determine the extent of her injury. There is no official update yet, but the Aces are hopeful for a quick recovery.

Entering Tuesday’s game, Wilson was averaging 21.9 points, nine rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.8 steals, and 2.6 blocks. She leads the Aces in points, rebounds, steals, and blocks and is top-five in the league in all four of those categories.

The Aces are currently ninth in the standings with a 9-10 record. Wilson’s absence could significantly impact their chances of making the playoffs, especially given their current standing.

The Aces will be in action again on Thursday against the Washington Mystics. They will also play the Golden State Valkyries on July 12 and the Dallas Wings on July 16 before the All-Star break.