Aces Outlast Tempo in Vancouver, but Injury Clouds Victory
In a highly anticipated matchup at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, the Las Vegas Aces secured a 79-64 victory over the Toronto Tempo on August 23, 2026. The win was crucial for the Aces, who needed to win by at least 12 points to cover the spread, and they delivered with a dominant fourth-quarter performance. However, the victory was overshadowed by a significant injury concern for forward NaLyssa Smith, who left the game in the second half and did not return. The Aces’ 17-4 scoring run in the final quarter proved decisive, with A’ja Wilson leading the charge with 27 points and 7 assists. The Tempo, despite a valiant effort, could not keep pace, and the loss was compounded by the earlier announcement that key players Sykes and Morrow would miss the remainder of the season due to injuries sustained in a previous game.nnThe game was a back-and-forth affair through the first three quarters, with both teams trading leads. The Tempo’s Laura Juskaite and Temi Fagbenle were effective in the paint, while the Aces relied on their perimeter shooting and transition play. However, the turning point came early in the fourth quarter when the Aces unleashed a relentless offensive barrage. Jackie Young and Mai Yamamoto hit crucial three-pointers, and Wilson’s ability to score from anywhere on the court proved too much for the Tempo defense. The Aces’ defensive intensity also ramped up, forcing multiple turnovers and limiting the Tempo to just 13 points in the final period. By the time the final buzzer sounded, the Aces had not only secured the win but also covered the spread, much to the delight of their backers.nnDespite the win, the Aces’ celebration was muted due to Smith’s injury. Smith, who had been a key contributor off the bench, left the game after a collision and was seen favoring her knee. The team has not yet provided an update on her status, but the injury looms large as the Aces look ahead to the playoffs. The Tempo, meanwhile, face an even more daunting challenge, as they will have to navigate the rest of the season without Sykes and Morrow, both of whom were integral to their rotation. The loss drops the Tempo to a
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