The Connecticut Sun hosted the Las Vegas Aces in a highly anticipated Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) showdown on May 16, 2026. In a high-scoring affair at Mohegan Sun Arena, the defending champion Aces outlasted the Sun 101-94, marking the season’s first win for Las Vegas and handing Connecticut its first loss of the campaign.
Match Overview
The game tipped off at 7:30 PM ET and featured two of the league’s most talented rosters. Las Vegas entered the contest with a revamped lineup, while Connecticut looked to build on an early-season win streak. The Aces’ potent offense, led by back-to-back MVP A’ja Wilson and sharp-shooting guard Kelsey Plum, proved too much for the Sun’s disciplined defense. Despite a valiant fourth-quarter push from the home team, the Aces maintained control down the stretch.
Key Moments
- First Quarter: Las Vegas jumped to a 28-22 lead behind Wilson’s 10 points and efficient ball movement. Connecticut struggled to contain the Aces’ pace.
- Second Quarter: The Sun fought back, cutting the deficit to 50-48 at halftime. Brionna Jones dominated the paint with 12 points and 7 rebounds in the first half.
- Third Quarter: Las Vegas exploded for 35 points, establishing a 85-74 advantage going into the final period. Jackie Young and Chelsea Gray combined for 18 points in the quarter.
- Fourth Quarter: Connecticut made a late run, pulling within 96-92 with 2:30 remaining, but critical turnovers and timely Aces free throws sealed the result.
Standout Players
- A’ja Wilson (LVA): Finished with 31 points, 11 rebounds, and 4 blocks, a dominant two-way performance.
- Kelsey Plum (LVA): Contributed 24 points and 8 assists, including several clutch jumpers in the third quarter.
- Brionna Jones (CONN): Led the Sun with 27 points and 14 rebounds, showcasing her interior scoring ability.
- DeWanna Bonner (CONN): Added 19 points and 6 assists but struggled with efficiency (7-of-19 shooting).
Impact on the Season
The win puts the Las Vegas Aces at 1-0 in the early season, reinforcing their status as championship favorites. The Connecticut Sun drop to 1-1, but showed resilience against a top-tier opponent. With both teams expected to contend for the WNBA title, this matchup could be a preview of a potential playoff series.

