Aja Wilson makes a strong case for MVP, defeating the Lynx 97-87

A'ja Wilson scored 31 points and grabbed eight rebounds, while Jackie Young contributed 20 points as the Las Vegas Aces surged past the first-place Minnesota Lynx 97-87 on Thursday night, setting a franchise record with their 13th consecutive victory.

Wilson notched her 12th 30-point game of the season, tying a WNBA record.

Las Vegas (27-14) ended a six-game losing streak against the Lynx, securing their first win in the series since May 29, 2024. The Aces climbed into a second-place tie with Atlanta (27-14) and Phoenix (27-14), trailing Minnesota (32-9) by five games.

The Aces led 63-55 five minutes into the third quarter, fueled by 3-pointers from Jewell Loyd and Young. They closed the quarter ahead 70-66 after a buzzer-beating layup by Chelsea Gray.

Wilson sank her only 3-pointer of the game midway through the fourth quarter, stretching the lead to 81-71. Natisha Hiedeman provided a spark off the bench for Minnesota with 22 points, including 11 in the fourth quarter. Courtney Williams added 14 points, and Napheesa Collier scored 12 points on 5-of-13 shooting.

Las Vegas shot 55.1% from the field, including 11 of 24 from beyond the arc.

The Aces, who suffered a 53-point loss to Minnesota in their previous meeting on Aug. 2, became the seventh team in WNBA history to string together 13 wins in a single season.