Las Vegas Aces move forward without NaLyssa Smith following season-ending injury
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 2, 2026, 5:28 AM
Last updated Sep 2, 2026
The Las Vegas Aces are adjusting their rotation after NaLyssa Smith sustained a season-ending injury during an August 23 game against the Toronto Tempo. Smith, who started every game this season and led the team in field goal percentage at 63.8%, suffered a no-contact injury to her leg during the third quarter. Head coach Becky Hammon has begun evaluating frontcourt options, including Brianna Turner, Cheyenne Parker-Tyus, and recently signed center Kalani Brown to fill the void. The team previously relied on Smith as a secondary rebounding option alongside A’ja Wilson. Following the injury, the Aces have experimented with smaller lineups involving Chelsea Gray and Jewell Loyd to cover defensive responsibilities. Smith arrived in Las Vegas last season and was instrumental in the team's 16-game win streak that preceded their 2025 championship run.
- •NaLyssa Smith suffered a season-ending injury against the Toronto Tempo on August 23.
- •Smith led the league with a 63.8% field goal percentage before being sidelined.
- •The Aces signed Kalani Brown to replace Smith on the active roster.
- •Becky Hammon has started Brianna Turner and tested smaller lineups in recent games.
- •Smith played a central role in the Las Vegas Aces winning the 2025 championship.
- 5:28 AMYahoo Sports — “Absolute Godsend”: WNBA Analyst Reveals How NaLyssa Smith’s Injury Forces Major Playoff Decisions for Becky Hammon
"The Las Vegas Aces have spent much of the season looking like a championship threat yet again. But with the playoffs approaching, Hammon has now lost one of her most important frontcourt pieces, a development that one analyst believes could significantly impact the team.
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