Just as the return of Chelsea Gray was beginning to get the Aces back to their former rhythm, another setback halted their progress. Seemingly, the 4-game winning streak of the back-to-back champions the Las Vegas Aces saw its end at the Michelob ULTRA Arena as A’ja Wilson and Co. began their Olympic break on a sour note. However, a 93-85 defeat by the hands of Chicago wasn’t the only concerning outcome of the fixture. To make matters worse for them, the franchise might miss out on the services of their beloved newcomer Kate Martin for some time as well.

The Aces didn’t make the best of starts as the opening quarter saw them trail the visitors by 14 points. At this time, with just 1:23 remaining, Kate Martin was bringing in an inbound ball from A’ja Wilson. However, Chicago’s No.11 Dana Evans was in her way, closely guarding her with no space. While trying to pull away from her, Kate Martin hit the floor hard, courtesy of an unfortunate twisted ankle.

A concerned-looking Becky Hammon took no time in signaling the team’s Lead Athletic Trainer Bryson Creer to evaluate the situation. Following the same, everyone on the Aces team, even the benchers, came and surrounded their rookie. Then, everyone present saw Martin taken to the locker room directly. Consequently, the Aces had to finish the game without her. As of now, there is no official word detailing her current injury status.

These drastic turn of events played its part in the reality check that followed soon after.

The absence of Kate Martin costs Las Vegas

Despite an emphatic 28 points and 14 rebounds from A’ja Wilson, the Aces couldn’t avoid a 5th defeat at home. By the looks of it, they came up short in every department for the evening. As it turns out, they were 1.6% less efficient while shooting from the field and 3% less accurate from beyond the arc.

On top of that, the Aces could grab only 26 rebounds whereas the visitors had 35 in the bag. Another offensive shortcoming was their playmaking abilities as the Sky had 3 more assists than them by the end of the night.

A disappointing outing for the Las Vegas Aces this time around. With the playoffs approaching soon, fans would hope that they get back to their previous best after the Olympics break. It will be interesting to see how they bounce back from this.

Stay tuned for more such updates. And to follow what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, has to say about the infamous Shaq-Kobe feud, Caitlin Clark’s Olympic snub, and more, watch this video.