Las Vegas Aces

DHJ Quick Take: Alanna Smith Injury in Austin The Injury Variable: Alanna Smith was the most efficient player on the floor (12 points, 7 rebounds in 12 minutes) before an inadvertent elbow from A'ja Wilson forced her exit. While labeled a precaution, her health is the "mechanical necessity" for a...

DHJ Quick Take: Dallas Wings Put on a Show in Austin Market Validation: A capacity crowd of 10,179 at the Moody Center provided a deafening backdrop for the first WNBA game in Austin history. The atmosphere served as powerful proof of concept for Central Texas as a premier basketball market...

DHJ Quick Take: Rayah Marshall is Cleared to Play The Marshall Addition: After being downgraded earlier today, Rayah Marshall's clearance for the 6 p.m. tip-off is a major win for Jose Fernandez. The USC product and former 25th overall pick provides the length and athleticism needed to challenge the Aces'...

DHJ Quick Take: Alanna Smith Injury Update The Defensive Anchor: Having Alanna Smith available enables the Wings to continue to build chemistry, especially as Jessica Shepard enters the mix. Smith is leaned on as a defensive anchor and versatile stretch big to complement a team with perimeter firepower. The Marshall...

DHJ Quick Take: Dallas Wings Keys Against Las Vegas Aces Defensive Connectivity: Despite a 15-point win over Indiana, Jose Fernandez was blunt about the Wings' defensive lapses. The "mechanical necessity" for tonight is "walling up"—maintaining verticality on straight-line drives to reduce a foul rate that gifted the Fever 42 free-throw...

DHJ Quick Take: The Jessica Shepard Addition The Arrival: Jessica Shepard arrives in Austin fresh off a Serie A1 championship with Beretta Famila Schio. Her dominance in Europe—ranking first in Euroleague rebounding (9.5) and double-doubles—gives the Wings a frontcourt piece playing at a world-class level. The "Point-Forward" Utility: Both Paige...

DHJ Quick Take: Tactical Impact Arike's Timeline: While Arike Ogunbowale has returned from her championship run in China, a right ankle injury prevents her preseason debut. The Wings are prioritizing her health for the May 9 regular-season opener against Caitlin Clark and the Fever. The Smith Variable: Alanna Smith is...

DHJ Quick Take: The Preseason Lens The Fudd-Bueckers Debut: The April 30 matchup at Gainbridge Fieldhouse against the Indiana Fever is effectively the "Opening Night" for the Wings' new era. Seeing Azzi Fudd and Paige Bueckers share a backcourt against Caitlin Clark—the league’s most potent ratings driver—is a calculated move...

DHJ Quick Take: Azzi Fudd to Dallas Wings? The UConn Reunion: By selecting Azzi Fudd, the Wings solve their biggest statistical void: three-point volume. Pairing Fudd’s 97th-percentile spot-up efficiency with Paige Bueckers and Arike Ogunbowale creates the most gravity-heavy perimeter in the WNBA. Expansion Era Begins: The Toronto Tempo and...

DHJ Quick Take The New Chapter: After a season with the Dallas Wings, Nola Henry joins the Las Vegas Aces as an assistant coach under Becky Hammon. The "Servant" Mindset: Henry’s career path—from Connecticut Sun intern to WNBA assistant—is defined by a refusal to "skip steps" and a focus on...