A’ja Wilson on Chennedy Carter’s Impact with the Aces
Last month, during training camp, A’ja Wilson shared her thoughts on how Chennedy Carter could influence the Las Vegas Aces. She mentioned, “I faced her when she really went off against us; it’s pretty cool to have her in our locker room now to, well, not go off on us.” Wilson appreciates that Carter will be contributing in a positive way, rather than on the opposing side.
In the Aces’ opening game, which ended in a 99-66 loss to the Phoenix Mercury, Carter started to show her potential, even in defeat. She scored 10 points, recorded two assists, and made two steals, shooting 5 for 8 from the field.
However, it was on Sunday night that Carter truly began to shine, demonstrating her skills as one of the league’s standout players. In the Aces’ decisive 105-78 victory over the Los Angeles Sparks, she led her team with 22 points, shooting 9 of 13 in just 20 minutes coming off the bench.
Carter had a stellar season in 2024, averaging 17.5 points on nearly 49% shooting while playing for the Chicago Sky. What precisely went awry in 2025 is a bit of a mystery, especially since she didn’t sign with any WNBA team that year.
Joining the current champions this offseason, she expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to play in Las Vegas. “We have an Olympian on our team,” she said following a preseason game. “Playing alongside some of the best players and scorers is genuinely an honor. They embrace me, help me feel at ease, and contribute to my growth. I think they’ll elevate my game, and I can also help them in return. So, I’m really happy to be here.”
Of course, Carter’s contributions were just part of the victory; her teammates also played well. Jackie Young scored 20 points with nine assists and five rebounds, while A’ja Wilson had 19 points, three assists, and two blocks. Chelsea Gray added 16 points and five assists as well.
In their first match against the Mercury, the Aces seemed to struggle, but then things really clicked. They outscored the Sparks by 28 points during Carter’s time on the court, showcasing the depth of their roster.
The Aces have claimed the championship in three of the last four seasons, and they’re hunting for a fourth this year. While it’s still quite early in the season, Carter could very well become an important player for the team, perhaps even a secret weapon in their quest for dominance.
