Aces Face Playoff Peril Amidst Surging Sparks
Season Plummets as Las Vegas Grapples with Uncharacteristic Struggles
The 2025 season marks a stark downturn for the Aces, a team that has consistently ranked among the league’s elite. From 2021 to 2024, Las Vegas never finished the regular season outside the top four, often entering as heavy favorites. Now, languishing with the seventh-best record, their playoff aspirations hang precariously in the balance, dependent on a significant turnaround.
Sparks Ignite Playoff Push
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Sparks are experiencing a resurgence, fueled by their offseason acquisition of **Kelsey Plum** from the Aces in a significant three-team deal. A recent 101-99 victory over the New York Liberty has officially propelled the Sparks into playoff contention, demonstrating a sharp contrast to their opponent’s fortunes.
Tight Playoff Race Intensifies Competition
The increasing competition for postseason berths could spell disaster for the Aces. Missing the playoffs would be a catastrophic outcome for a team boasting stars like **A’ja Wilson**, **Jackie Young**, **Chelsea Gray**, and **Jewell Loyd**. This possibility is amplified by the fact that they do not control their own first-round draft pick.
The Playoff Picture is Murky
With the season’s midpoint reached, the top five playoff spots appear largely solidified, likely featuring the Lynx, Liberty, Mercury, Dream, and Storm in some order. The remaining playoff positions, however, remain a free-for-all. The Fever, Mystics, Aces, Valkyries, and Sparks are clustered tightly, with each team holding a realistic chance to advance.
Aces’ Difficult Path to Postseason
Las Vegas is far from ideally positioned in this crowded race. They have already surrendered the season series to the Indiana Fever. Furthermore, their head-to-head records against key rivals are unfavorable: a split with the Sparks and Valkyries with more games to come, and a losing record against the Mystics.
Valkyries’ Resilience and Sparks’ Momentum
The Golden State Valkyries recently suffered a blow with **Kayla Thornton**’s season-ending knee injury. However, this setback may not derail their playoff hopes, and even if it does, the surging Sparks are poised to claim any available spot. **Dearica Hamby**, **Kelsey Plum**, and **Rickea Jackson** have been performing exceptionally well for Los Angeles, with **Cameron Brink** also nearing her return.
Veteran Stars Underperforming
The Sparks appear poised to continue their winning ways, while the Aces are struggling to resolve significant on-court issues. A lineup change, moving **NaLyssa Smith** into the starting frontcourt, has boosted production there, but the team’s guard play and the performance of veteran stars remain a concern. Beyond **A’ja Wilson** and **Jackie Young**, consistent offensive contributions from key players have been scarce. **Jewell Loyd**’s transition to Las Vegas has been particularly challenging, as she is currently averaging career lows across multiple statistical categories.
According to official league statistics, as of the midpoint of the 2025 season, only four teams in the WNBA have a defensive rating below 100 points per 100 possessions, highlighting the parity and offensive efficiency across the league this year. This makes the Aces’ struggles to find consistent scoring and defense even more pronounced.
