With five games remaining before the playoffs, the Las Vegas Aces hit a major roadblock in their title defense this season as NaLyssa Smith has been ruled out for the remainder of the season, drawing plenty of reaction within the community.
WNBA reporter and podcast host Myles Ehrlich wrote on X, “Awful. A terrific (and super-efficient) season cut short for Lyss. Sending her the best in recovery.”
ESPN reporter Holly Rowe added, “Ugh tough news for Aces.”
Reports say Smith suffered a non-contact left leg injury on Sunday during the Aces’ 88-78 win over the Toronto Tempo. Her injury came with just over three minutes remaining in the third quarter, as Smith was running in transition to meet Jackie Young’s pass.
When Smith went up to grab the ball, her left leg buckled as she came back down, sending her crashing to the floor.
After the fall, the Aces forward was seen grimacing in pain before she was carried off the court. However, the real pain doesn’t start until the Aces realize how huge a loss she’s going to be heading into the playoffs.
Through 38 games this season, Smith was averaging 11.7 points, 6.4 rebounds, 0.9 assists, and 0.6 steals per game, while shooting a career-best 63.8% from the field. This marks her best scoring average since 2023, while her rebounding is also her highest since 2024.
They may not feel it in their next few games, but as soon as the regular season wraps up and they confirm who they’ll go up against in the playoffs, it will surely be a real challenge for the Aces to find someone as efficient a scorer and rebounder as Smith.
“Lyss is a soldier”: Las Vegas Aces leader encourages NaLyssa Smith to fight towards recovery while team looks for her replacement
As the Las Vegas Aces suffer a huge blow with NaLyssa Smith’s injury, team captain A’Ja Wilson rallies the team behind her to help her get past this tough phase in her career.
After Sunday’s game against the Toronto Tempo, Wilson had some inspiring words for Smith and assured her that she’s not alone in her battle.
“Lyss is a soldier,” Wilson said. “God has his hands on her, and we’re going to continue to be beside her through this whole process.”
As Smith begins her road to recovery, Aces head coach Becky Hammon will now have to look into the market for a potential replacement for her, as the Aces can invoke their Season-Ending Injury Exception.
Under the WNBA’s new collective bargaining agreement, this will allow the Aces to sign a replacement player for Smith, provided the WNBA grants their request.
Once the Aces apply for their request with the league’s front office, a physician designated by the WNBA will then determine whether Smith’s injury qualifies as season-ending, and if approved, they’ll have seven days to find a worthy replacement for her position.