Sparks Edge Aces in Thrilling WNBA Clash
Saturday, May 23, 2026, 8:00 PM ET · Michelob ULTRA Arena
Los Angeles Sparks 101, Las Vegas Aces 95, final. Our WNBA picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Los Angeles Sparks vs Las Vegas Aces?
Los Angeles Sparks beat Las Vegas Aces 101-95 at Michelob ULTRA Arena on May 23, 2026.
Who was favored in Los Angeles Sparks vs Las Vegas Aces?
Las Vegas Aces were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -425 (about 81% implied). The underdog won.
In a tightly contested matchup, the Los Angeles Sparks emerged victorious against the Las Vegas Aces with a final score of 101-95. This victory marks a significant moment for the Sparks, as they not only improved their record to 4-3 but also avenged a previous loss to the Aces earlier in the season. The game took place at the Michelob ULTRA Arena, where the Aces had a home record of 4-2 prior to this encounter.
Both teams entered the game with contrasting recent forms. The Aces had been on a strong run, boasting an 8-2 record over their last ten games, including a four-game winning streak. They averaged 91.1 points scored per game while allowing 85.5 points. In contrast, the Sparks had a 6-4 record in their last ten outings, with an average of 87.6 points scored and 88.2 points allowed. The Sparks were coming off a win against the Phoenix Mercury just two days prior, which likely contributed to their momentum heading into this game.
The Aces had previously dominated the Sparks in their last meeting on May 10, winning decisively 105-78. Historically, the Aces lead the series 2-1 this season, and the Sparks' victory in this game adds to their competitive rivalry. In their last five meetings, the Aces had won four times, indicating their recent dominance, but the Sparks' win today highlights the unpredictability of WNBA matchups.
In terms of injuries, the Aces were missing key players Ta'Niya Latson and NaLyssa Smith, which could have impacted their performance. The Sparks also faced challenges with Aaliyah Nye being out for non-injury related reasons. The absence of these players may have played a role in the dynamics of the game.
The betting market reflected the Aces' status as favorites, with DraftKings listing them at -9.5 on the spread and -425 on the moneyline, while the Sparks were set at +330. The total for the game was set at 181.5, indicating expectations for a competitive scoring affair.
Conditions during the game were conducive to high-paced basketball, and the final score reflected the offensive capabilities of both teams. The Sparks were able to capitalize on their scoring opportunities, particularly in the fourth quarter, where they outscored the Aces to secure the win. Key moments included A'ja Wilson's crucial free throws and Erica Wheeler's three-pointer that helped extend the Sparks' lead.
As the game unfolded, viewers were treated to a showcase of skill and determination from both teams. The Aces, despite their loss, demonstrated resilience and fought hard until the final whistle. The Sparks, on the other hand, showcased their ability to execute under pressure, which will be crucial as they look to build on this victory in their upcoming games.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | LV -9.5 | 181.5 o -105 / u -115 | Los Angeles Sparks +330 · Las Vegas Aces -425 |
Injury report
- Ta'Niya LatsonOutCoach's DecisionLas Vegas Aces
- NaLyssa SmithOutLegLas Vegas Aces
- Aaliyah NyeOutNot Injury RelatedLos Angeles Sparks
Leaders
- PointsA'ja Wilson24Las Vegas Aces
- AssistsChelsea Gray7Las Vegas Aces
- ReboundsA'ja Wilson15Las Vegas Aces
- PointsKelsey Plum38Los Angeles Sparks
- AssistsKelsey Plum9Los Angeles Sparks
- ReboundsCameron Brink8Los Angeles Sparks
Recent form
Las Vegas Aces
Last 10: 8-2Streak W491.1 scored · 85.5 allowed per game2-1 at home
- W85-84at Atlanta DreamMay 17
- W101-94at Connecticut SunMay 15
- W98-69at Connecticut SunMay 14
- W105-78at Los Angeles SparksMay 10
- L66-99vs Phoenix MercuryMay 9
- L84-101at Dallas WingsMay 3
- W94-78vs JAPANApr 27
- W97-86at Phoenix MercuryOct 11
- W90-88at Phoenix MercuryOct 9
- W91-78vs Phoenix MercuryOct 5
Los Angeles Sparks
Last 10: 6-4Streak W187.6 scored · 88.2 allowed per game3-0 away
- W97-88at Phoenix MercuryMay 22
- L96-106vs Toronto TempoMay 17
- W99-95vs Toronto TempoMay 16
- L78-87vs Indiana FeverMay 14
- L78-105vs Las Vegas AcesMay 10
- W85-75at Portland FireMay 3
- W89-63vs NIGERIAApr 25
- L75-103vs Las Vegas AcesSep 12
- W88-83at Phoenix MercurySep 10
- W91-77vs Dallas WingsSep 7
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | - | 9 | L2 | .775 | 31 |
| Golden State | 2 | 11 | W4 | .725 | 29 |
| Las Vegas | 4 | 13 | W3 | .675 | 27 |
| Dallas | 7 | 16 | W4 | .600 | 24 |
| Portland | 15 | 24 | L1 | .400 | 16 |
| Los Angeles | 16 | 25 | W2 | .375 | 15 |
| Phoenix | 17 | 26 | W1 | .350 | 14 |
| Seattle | 23 | 32 | L1 | .200 | 8 |
Box score
| Stat | Los Angeles Sparks | Las Vegas Aces |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 37-67 | 34-76 |
| Field goal % | 55 | 45 |
| Three-pointers | 14-29 | 10-29 |
| Three-point % | 48 | 34 |
| Free throws | 13-15 | 17-21 |
| Free throw % | 87 | 81 |
| Rebounds | 30 | 36 |
| Offensive rebounds | 4 | 13 |
| Defensive rebounds | 26 | 23 |
| Assists | 26 | 21 |
| Steals | 8 | 6 |
| Blocks | 1 | 9 |
| Turnovers | 17 | 14 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 17 | 8 |
| Fast-break points | 12 | 7 |
| Points in the paint | 36 | 40 |
| Fouls | 24 | 20 |
| Largest lead | 7 | 9 |
| Lead changes | 19 | 19 |
| Time in front | 50 | 37 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter63-64Chennedy Carter makes 4-foot two point shot
- 3rd Quarter64-64Kelsey Plum makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter65-64Kelsey Plum makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter65-67A'ja Wilson makes 25-foot three point jumper (Jewell Loyd assists)
- 3rd Quarter67-67Dearica Hamby makes 5-foot layup (Kelsey Plum assists)
- 3rd Quarter67-69A'ja Wilson makes 4-foot two point shot (Chelsea Gray assists)
- 3rd Quarter70-69Dearica Hamby makes 25-foot three point jumper (Erica Wheeler assists)
- 3rd Quarter70-71A'ja Wilson makes 4-foot two point shot (Chennedy Carter assists)
- 3rd Quarter70-72A'ja Wilson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter70-73A'ja Wilson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter72-73Erica Wheeler makes 18-foot pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter74-73Kelsey Plum makes 2-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter75-73Kelsey Plum makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter77-73Cameron Brink makes driving layup (Rae Burrell assists)
- 4th Quarter80-73Erica Wheeler makes 25-foot running pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter80-75NaLyssa Smith makes tip shot
- 4th Quarter82-75Cameron Brink makes two point shot (Kelsey Plum assists)
- 4th Quarter82-76Jewell Loyd makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter82-77Chennedy Carter makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter82-78Chennedy Carter makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter82-80NaLyssa Smith makes running layup (Chelsea Gray assists)
- 4th Quarter82-81NaLyssa Smith makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter85-81Rae Burrell makes 24-foot three point jumper (Dearica Hamby assists)
- 4th Quarter85-83NaLyssa Smith makes layup (A'ja Wilson assists)
- 4th Quarter87-83Kelsey Plum makes 9-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter87-85Chelsea Gray makes 6-foot pullup jump shot (A'ja Wilson assists)
- 4th Quarter90-85Kelsey Plum makes 25-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 4th Quarter90-88A'ja Wilson makes 24-foot three point jumper (Chelsea Gray assists)
- 4th Quarter90-90Chelsea Gray makes 11-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter92-90Ariel Atkins makes 4-foot layup (Kelsey Plum assists)
- 4th Quarter94-90Kelsey Plum makes 4-foot two point shot (Erica Wheeler assists)
- 4th Quarter94-92Chennedy Carter makes 10-foot floating jump shot
- 4th Quarter94-93A'ja Wilson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter94-94A'ja Wilson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter97-94Erica Wheeler makes 26-foot three pointer (Kelsey Plum assists)
- 4th Quarter98-94Dearica Hamby makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter99-94Dearica Hamby makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter99-95Chennedy Carter makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter100-95Kelsey Plum makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter101-95Kelsey Plum makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Las Vegas Aces, below favours Los Angeles Sparks.
Venue
- Michelob ULTRA ArenaLas Vegas, NV
- Attendance10386
- OfficialsRoy Gulbeyan, Angelica Suffren, Toni Patillo
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WNBA rules and settlement
These two, other days
- Aces Secure Victory Over Sparks in Close MatchupSep 22, 2026
- Aces Defeat Sparks in WNBA ShowdownJun 2, 2026
- Aces Dominate Sparks in WNBA ShowdownMay 10, 2026
- Aces Dominate Sparks in WNBA ShowdownSep 11, 2025