The intensity of the players in the WNBA is increasing by the minute. Continuing their losing run in the Commissioner’s Cup, the Dallas Wings faced another defeat in the tournament. On the other hand, the Las Vegas Aces bounced back from their disappointing loss to the Atlanta Dream in a heavyweight matchup tonight. However, the win came at a cost as the thrilling game not only raised the adrenaline levels in the players but also took them to the ground. A’ja Wilson, Alysha Clark, and Arike Ogunbowale all fell to the floor in Las Vegas’ first Commissioner’s Cup 95-81 win at the home of the Dallas Wings.

With 27 seconds left in the second quarter, Dallas’ Monique Billings emphatically rejected a shot by A’ja Wilson. However, her hand caught the Aces center’s face as she went crashing down onto the floor with a cut on her nose. No foul was called and the game continued with Arike Ogunbowale taking the ball up the floor. But Aces’ Alysha Clark crashed into a speeding Ogunbowale, sending them both to the floor. Clark was called for a foul on the play.

After a ref-initiated review, the crew chief Roy Gulbeyan ruled that the call would stand on Clark and there was not enough evidence to prove any hostile play on Wilson. Following this, Ogunbowale walked to the stripe for 2 free throws due to it being the Aces’ fifth foul of the quarter. Although the night ended with the Aces powering through Dallas, the impeccable performances and the passion for the sport definitely took the front seat. Let us look at how the two teams performed.

A’ja Wilson and Co. bounce back over the Wings for a win

A strong matchup was in the cards as a handful of great WNBA veterans locked horns in the College Park Center. Tonight, A’ja Wilson broke yet another WNBA record. She became the only player to go on record with 35+ points, 10+ rebounds, and 5+ steals with 36 points, 12 rebounds, and 6 steals. She also added 1 block and 2 assists to close her account for the night. Two other starters for the 2x reigning champions, Kelsey Plum and Jackie Young, scored in the double digits. Moreover, Tiffany Hayes off the bench had 11 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists, adding to both ends for the team.

For the hosts, Arike Ogunbowale had the best performance with 31 points, 4 rebounds, 7 assists, and 4 steals. In addition to her, three more starters had double-digit scores. These were Monique Billings, Maddy Siegrist, and Teaira McCowan. The 3rd overall pick in the 2019 WNBA draft McCowan had a double-double tonight with 14 points and 15 rebounds.

A’ja Wilson and the Aces bounced back following their surprising defeat in Atlanta a few days ago. At the same time, the Dallas Wings extended their losing streak to three games. Next, they will visit the West Coast and try to take on the young core in Los Angeles Sparks. Las Vegas will host the Seattle Storm for their first matchup of the season. While we do not know who will get the better of the other, the crowd is surely in for a great time in both the upcoming Commissioner’s Cup matchups.

Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato had to say about the marketing genius, watch this video.