In a recent game against the Toronto Tempo, Las Vegas Aces forward NaLyssa Smith suffered a left knee injury late in the third quarter and had to be helped off the court.
After that point, she did not return to the game, and the team hasn’t provided any further updates regarding her injury or how long she might be out.
If the injury turns out to be serious, and possibly season-ending, it could have significant effects on the Aces as they try for their fourth championship in five years.
This season, Smith has been averaging 11.7 points and 6.4 rebounds per game, with an impressive shooting percentage of 63.8%. Standing at 6’4″, she has played in all 38 games so far, contributing not only in scoring but also in enhancing the team’s physical play and defensive versatility alongside four-time MVP A’ja Wilson.
NaLyssa Smith’s Impact Last Season
The Aces brought Smith onto the team last year during the midseason trade deadline, and she quickly became a key factor in their successful turnaround and playoff run. In the postseason, she averaged 7.1 points and 5 rebounds, notably shining in crucial games against the Indiana Fever, where she had back-to-back performances scoring 18 and 16 points, respectively.
She played a vital role in Las Vegas’s championship win, proving to be an even more significant asset in her second season with the team.
If she is out for the rest of the season, the Aces will feel the impact. Others will need to step up, including backup bigs Cheyenne Parker-Tyus, Brianna Turner, and Kierstan Bell. Parker-Tyus, who was away last season on maternity leave, is currently averaging 5.2 points and 2.6 rebounds in about 10.7 minutes of play. Meanwhile, Turner is averaging 1.6 points and 1.7 rebounds over 12.8 minutes in her first season with the Aces. Bell, who has been with the team since 2022, averages 2 points and 1.4 rebounds in 10.4 minutes per game. It’s likely that all three could get more chances to contribute if Smith is sidelined for an extended time.
As it stands, the Aces have a solid record of 26-13, putting them third in the WNBA as they head into the final stretch of the regular season with five games remaining. They are currently half a game behind the Golden State Valkyries and 5.5 games behind the Minnesota Lynx.
