3-time MVP hurts wrist in Aces-Liberty game

A’ja Wilson’s night ended early in New York.

The Las Vegas Aces superstar exited Tuesday’s matchup against the New York Liberty after she fell hard during the second quarter. With the Aces trailing 33-30 with 4:13 remaining in the first half, Wilson was fouled by the Liberty’s Leonie Fiebich while driving to the basket. Wilson was tripped up on the play and landed hard on her shoulder, using her wrists to brace herself. She remained down on the court in visible pain as her teammates surrounded her with towels to provide some privacy.

The three-time WNBA MVP was able to get to her feet and made both free throws. She briefly remained in the game and snagged an additional rebound before Aces head coach Becky Hammon subbed her out with 2:22 remaining in the second quarter.

Wilson was ruled out with a right wrist injury at halftime. She returned to the bench in the third quarter with a brace on her right wrist.

Wilson finished the night with two points, shooting 0-for-3 from the field and 0-for-1 from 3. She added four rebounds and two assists. Following the game, Aces head coach Becky Hammon said Wilson will undergo an MRI on her wrist Wednesday morning.

The severity of Wilson’s wrist injury could become clear then. It’s not yet known if her injury will prevent her from participating in the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game in Indianapolis on July 19, where she was named a starter on Team Caitlin Clark.

It marks the latest blow for Wilson. She missed three consecutive games last month in concussion protocol. Wilson was injured on June 11 during the Aces’ 97-89 loss to the Los Angeles Sparks after she was struck in the face while attempting to defend Dearica Hamby under the basket. 

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