The Las Vegas Aces continued their dominant preseason form with a commanding 94-78 victory over the Japan Women's National Team on April 27, 2026. The exhibition match, held as part of the WNBA's global outreach initiative, showcased the Aces' championship pedigree against a disciplined international opponent.

Match Overview

Playing at a neutral venue, the Aces jumped out to an early lead, using their superior athleticism and team chemistry to overwhelm the Japanese side. The final score of 94-78 reflected a game that was competitive in stretches, but ultimately controlled by the two-time defending WNBA champions. For Japan, the contest served as critical preparation for upcoming international competitions, including the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup.

Key Moments

The first quarter set the tone, with the Aces' high-octane offense putting up 28 points. Japan responded with sharp ball movement and disciplined defense, trailing by just 8 at the end of the opening period. The turning point came early in the third quarter when the Aces went on a 14-2 run, extending their lead to 20 points. Japan showed resilience, cutting the deficit to 12 in the fourth quarter, but the Aces' depth proved too much down the stretch.

Tactical Story

Las Vegas exploited mismatches in transition, converting 22 fast-break points. Defensively, they pressured Japan's perimeter shooters, holding them to 32% from three-point range. The Aces' ability to crash the offensive boards—collecting 15 second-chance points—was a decisive factor. Japan, meanwhile, relied on their trademark pick-and-roll offense and disciplined rotations, but struggled to contain the Aces' versatile bigs in the paint.

Standout Players

• Las Vegas Aces: The backcourt duo combined for 45 points, with one guard dishing out 10 assists. A veteran forward posted a double-double with 18 points and 12 rebounds, anchoring the defense.
• Japan Women: A dynamic guard led her team with 22 points and 6 assists, showcasing her ability to score against elite WNBA defenders. The team's starting center added 14 points and 8 rebounds, fighting hard on both ends.

Impact and Context

While an exhibition match, the result boosts the Aces' preseason momentum as they prepare for the regular season. The team is looking to become the first team to three-peat since the Houston Comets in the late 1990s. For Japan, the game provided invaluable experience against top-tier professional competition. The match also highlighted the growing global appeal of the WNBA, with international broadcasts and a diverse audience tuning in.

With the final score settled at 94-78, the Aces demonstrated why they remain the team to beat in the WNBA, while Japan walk away with lessons that will sharpen their readiness for the international stage.