A'ja Wilson, four‑time WNBA MVP, is listed as questionable for the Commissioner's Cup final after a right‑leg injury. The Las Vegas Aces, who have dominated the season, will clash with the in the league’s marquee summer showcase. Wilson’s injury was reported on the day of the final, and the league’s official injury report marks her as “questionable,” meaning she could suit up or sit out depending on her condition.
The Aces rely heavily on Wilson’s scoring, rebounding, and defensive presence; she averages over 20 points per game and has been a catalyst in their playoff run. 7, a gap that has historically cost them key games. The Liberty, coached by Sandy Brondello, have earned a spot in the final by posting a 20‑win season and will look to exploit any Aces weakness.
Their star guard, Sabrina Ionescu, has been averaging 18 points and 9 assists, and the team’s perimeter shooting could become decisive if the Aces lose Wilson’s interior dominance. The Liberty’s three‑point shooting percentage has climbed to 38% this season, ranking second in the league, and their ability to stretch the floor could neutralize the Aces’ usual defensive schemes. Analysts and fans alike are weighing the impact.
NBA commentary noted that the Aces’ offensive efficiency could dip without Wilson, while Liberty supporters argue the matchup becomes more balanced. Social media buzz shows a split in confidence, with many betting on a tighter contest than the regular season suggests. 5 overnight, reflecting the uncertainty around Wilson’s status.
The Aces have posted a 28‑6 record overall and a 12‑2 home mark, riding a 10‑game winning streak into the Cup final. Their offense, built around Wilson’s 20‑point average, has been the league’s most efficient, ranking first in points per possession. A loss of her interior presence forces the Aces to rely on perimeter players who have struggled to maintain a 45% field‑goal percentage when Wilson is out, raising doubts about their ability to sustain the high‑tempo attack that has defined their season.
Conversely, the Liberty entered the final on a five‑game winning streak, including victories over the top‑seeded Seattle Storm and a 112‑109 overtime thriller against the Phoenix Mercury. Their defensive coordinator has emphasized a switch‑heavy scheme designed to collapse the paint and force the Aces into contested jump shots. With Ionescu orchestrating the offense and the team shooting 38% from beyond the arc, the Liberty have a clear game plan to exploit any interior void left by Wilson.
What’s next: The final is scheduled for Saturday night at the Michelob Ultra Arena, with the winner taking home the Commissioner's Cup trophy and a $150,000 prize pool. If Wilson is cleared to play, the Aces retain a clear edge; if she sits, the Liberty could seize the momentum. The league will release a final status update an hour before tip‑off.
The Aces’ coaching staff is expected to make a game‑time decision based on Wilson’s pregame warm‑up routine and pain levels. Read at ESPN
Why this matters
Wilson’s availability could tip the scales in the WNBA’s biggest summer event, the Commissioner’s Cup final. As a four‑time MVP and the Aces’ offensive engine, her presence—or lack thereof—will shape the tactical battle against a Liberty squad that has earned its own momentum. The outcome will influence championship narratives and set the tone for the remainder of the season. Historically, the Aces have struggled in games Wilson misses, going 3‑4 in her absence this season, while the Liberty have won five straight contests against top‑seeded teams, signaling their readiness to capitalize on any Aces’ vulnerabilities.
Frequently asked
Is A'ja Wilson playing in the final?
She is listed as questionable; the league will confirm her status an hour before tip‑off.
What is the Commissioner's Cup?
It is the WNBA’s mid‑season tournament that culminates in a championship game awarding a trophy and a $150,000 prize pool.
How could Wilson’s injury affect the Aces?
The Aces rely on her scoring and defense; missing her could lower their offensive rating and give the Liberty a strategic advantage.
What’s the Liberty’s path to victory if Wilson sits?
The Liberty would likely exploit the Aces’ perimeter defense, relying on Sabrina Ionescu’s playmaking and their league‑leading three‑point shooting to stretch the floor.
How have the Aces performed without Wilson this season?
The Aces are 3‑4 in games Wilson has missed, with their offensive rating dropping by 6.6 points per 100 possessions.
