Las Vegas Aces (28-13) routed the Seattle Storm (8-34) 114-77 behind Jackie Young’s historic offensive performance. The win solidifies Las Vegas’ playoff positioning while highlighting Seattle’s ongoing struggles.
The Las Vegas Aces secured a commanding 114-77 victory over the Seattle Storm on September 18, 2026, at Climate Pledge Arena. The decisive factor was a historic offensive explosion in the opening period, where Jackie Young tied the WNBA record for points in a single quarter with 22, propelling the third-place Western Conference team to a 37-point blowout win.
Las Vegas Aces Performance
The Aces (28-13) displayed remarkable depth and efficiency despite being severely depleted by injuries. Playing without five key contributors—Zia Cooke, Jordan Horston, Katie Lou Samuelson, Ezi Magbegor, and NaLyssa Smith—the team relied on a balanced attack led by Young’s career-high 35 points. Young’s ability to dominate early set the tone, allowing Las Vegas to control the tempo and limit Seattle’s opportunities to mount a comeback.
Chelsea Gray provided critical stability in the backcourt and frontcourt, recording a versatile double-double threat line with 9 rebounds and 6 assists. Her playmaking helped mitigate the absence of other primary ball-handlers, ensuring the offense flowed smoothly even when defensive pressure increased. The Aces’ ability to maintain high-level execution amidst significant roster absences underscored their status as one of the league’s elite teams heading into the final week of the regular season.
Seattle Storm Performance
The Seattle Storm (8-34) struggled to contain Las Vegas’ offensive firepower, ultimately falling short in all statistical categories. Flau’jae Johnson led the Storm with 25 points, showcasing individual resilience against a stacked defense. However, the lack of supporting scoring from the bench proved detrimental, as the team could not generate enough secondary production to keep pace with Young’s surge.
Natisha Hiedeman distributed 7 assists, attempting to orchestrate an offense that frequently stalled against Las Vegas’ defensive schemes. Awa Fam contributed significantly on the glass with 9 rebounds, but the Storm’s inability to secure second-chance points or transition baskets allowed the Aces to extend their lead consistently. The defensive breakdowns, particularly in containing Young’s perimeter shooting, highlighted the gap between Seattle’s current standing and the top-tier competition.
Turning Point
The game was effectively decided in the first quarter, where Jackie Young’s 22 points tied the WNBA record for most points in a period. This explosive start gave Las Vegas a substantial early cushion, forcing Seattle to play from behind for the remainder of the contest. The Storm’s defense failed to adjust to Young’s rhythm, allowing her to accumulate points efficiently and demoralize the opposition before halftime. This initial surge prevented any meaningful momentum shifts for Seattle, who never truly threatened to close the gap after the opening period.
Key Factors
- Jackie Young’s Historic Output: Young’s 35 points, including a record-tying 22 in the first quarter, were the primary driver of the Aces’ victory.
- Aces’ Depth Over Adversity: Las Vegas won decisively despite missing five players, demonstrating superior roster construction and coaching adaptability.
- Chelsea Gray’s Versatility: Gray’s 9 rebounds and 6 assists provided essential balance, filling voids left by injured teammates.
- Seattle’s Scoring Limitations: With only Flau’jae Johnson reaching 25 points, the Storm lacked the secondary scoring needed to challenge Las Vegas.
What It Means
This victory strengthens the Las Vegas Aces’ position in the Western Conference playoff race. As the regular season concludes on September 24, the Aces are well-positioned to secure favorable seeding, potentially gaining home-court advantage. The win serves as a statement of intent ahead of their upcoming matchup against the Storm again.
For the Seattle Storm, the loss extends their struggles in the lower half of the standings. Sitting at 8-34, the team faces challenges in securing a playoff spot, with all eight seeds remaining fluid. The injury list continues to impact their rotation, with eight players listed as out in recent contests, complicating their efforts to finish strong. The Storm will look to regroup as they prepare for their next game against the Aces.
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