A’ja Wilson Returns, But Las Vegas Aces Fall Short Against Seattle Storm In Tough Home Loss

In a highly anticipated matchup at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas, A’ja Wilson made her return to the court, but it wasn’t enough to lift the Aces past the Seattle Storm.

Despite Wilson’s presence, the Las Vegas Acesstruggled to find offensive rhythm and fell short in a tightly contested game. The loss highlights ongoing challenges for the Aces, who are working to regain their championship form.

Fans didn't hold back when they saw Aces star Wilson return to the court after being out on concussion protocol for the past three games. Her return was met by a high-energy, sold-out crowd Friday night.

During the Los Angeles Sparks game on June 12, Wilson suffered an injury when struck in the face by the Sparks' Dearica Hamby in the third quarter. Head coach Becky Hammon confirmed postgame that Wilson was bleeding from her nose.

The beloved eight-year veteran's return was highly anticipated and needed for the Aces, who went 1-2 during her absence, losing to the Phoenix Mercury and Minnesota Lynx.

Wilson got the first bucket for the Aces in Friday night's game, and the team fought hard to get ahead of the Storm but ended up falling short, 90-83.

"Once an Ace, always an Ace."

It was applause all around when former Aces star Alysha Clark walked onto the court. While standing on the court watching the jumbotron play back some of her greatest moments with the Aces, Clark teared up.

The Aces shared two posts to welcome Clark back to Vegas. Many fans dropped into the comment section to share their love for the former Aces star.

"The heart of the Aces. We miss you, AC!" one fan wrote. Another said, "We miss her sooooo much ... making my gurl cry before her game." Many others shared heart emojis to let Clark know she's loved and missed.

Clark later took to one of the Aces Instagram posts about her return to Vegas to share, "The love is mutual. Thank y’all for that sweet welcome back!"

Before the game, Clark was seen signing autographs and taking pics with fans who were excited to see her back in Vegas.

If you've ever attended an Aces home game, you've likely seen Tina Torres walking around courtside, chatting with other fans or even handing out signs to hold during the game.

The Blast caught up with Tina, who has lived in Vegas for the past 21 years, ahead of Friday night's game to get a glimpse into her love for the Aces. She said she's been an Aces fan "since day one."

"I've never missed a regular season home game," she told The Blast. "I've followed the WNBA since it started, so when we brought a team here, I'm like, we're getting season tickets to support the women."

For anyone who's had the pleasure of meeting Tina, they know her energy is contagious. She truly loves her team and has a way of hyping up other fans around her.

"I used to come three hours before the doors open. Now, I've cut it back to an hour-and-a-half. I love my Aces, I'd do anything for the Aces," she said enthusiastically. "Everybody knows me, because we love the Aces. We'd do anything for the Aces."

And while you'll see Tina at all the home games, you just might also see her at an away game from time to time, including playoff games. She's the true definition of a "superfan."

While the Aces didn't take the W on Friday night, Wilson had a milestone of her own.

The WNBA took to Instagram to share Wilson's big news. "A’ja Wilson’s dominance continues. 78th career 20-10 game surpasses Sylvia Fowles for 2nd most in league history. Only Tina Charles (103) stands ahead," the post is captioned.

Tina Charles currently holds the record for the most 20-point, 10-rebound games in WNBA history with 103, but Wilson isn’t far behind. Given her current production - averaging 20.8 points and 10.1 rebounds this season -Wilson is on track to surpass that mark before this season wraps up.

Fans shared their excitement for this big milestone in the post's comment section.

"She’s having a down year and will still be an all star," one person wrote. Another shared, "Goat A’ja." Many others just left a flame emoji.

The Aces will play the Indiana Fever on Sunday, June 22, with tipoff at 12 p.m. It’s a unique home game for the team as they shift to nearby T-Mobile Arena for what’s expected to be a sold-out crowd.

Then on Wednesday, June 25 at 7 p.m., they'll face the Connecticut Sun and on Thursday, June 26, the Washington Mystics (both at home). Then it's off to Phoenix for another matchup against the Mercury on Sunday, June 29 at 3 p.m.

See their full schedule online.