Aces' NaLyssa Smith to miss rest of season
Las Vegas Aces forward NaLyssa Smith is out for the remainder of the season with a left-leg injury suffered in the win over the Toronto Tempo, a non-contact injury that occurred in the third quarter. She had been having one of the best campaigns of her career, leading the league in field goal percentage and averaging about 11.7–11.8 points and 6.4 rebounds per game, making her a key piece for the title-contending team. The injury creates a significant void in Las Vegas’ frontcourt, with the team leaning on Cheyenne Parker-Tyus, Brianna Turner, and Justine Pissott to step in as replacements, while also facing cap- and roster-related constraints. Teammates, including Stephanie Talbot, emphasized the hole Smith leaves on the boards and in the paint, but coaches stressed the importance of stepping up and managing through the break before the playoff push. The Aces will navigate five regular-season games and a season-break for the FIBA World Cup, with coach Becky Hammon prioritizing health for a strong postseason return. The situation underscores how crucial Smith has been to Las Vegas’ championship pursuits and ongoing dominance in the league.



