Las Vegas Aces superstar A’ja Wilson’s dominant 2025 season hit a troubling snag Wednesday night against the Los Angeles Sparks. The three-time WNBA MVP was forced to exit after taking a hard elbow to the face from Dearica Hamby during a third-quarter drive. The Aces went on to lose 97-89.
The incident left Wilson bleeding from her nose and clutching her face in visible pain. The team awaits results from Thursday’s doctor visit to determine whether their franchise player will miss additional games, including Friday’s home contest against Dallas.
What Happened During the Hamby-Wilson Collision
Video footage circulating on social media captured the moment Hamby’s elbow struck Wilson’s face as Hamby drove to the rim.
The possible reason why A’Ja Wilson was injured for the rest of the game, as she was hit in the face from this Dearica Hamby drive to the rim.
🎥 @sluggahjells #WNBA pic.twitter.com/GfqISNRi7y
— The Whole Delivery (@TWDTV1) June 12, 2025
Wilson required gauze to stop the bleeding before being ruled out for the remainder of the game. Though the collision appeared accidental, the impact was significant enough to sideline the league’s most dominant player during a key stretch.
Becky Hammon said there isn’t much certainty with A’ja Wilson’s status until she visits a doctor tomorrow.
“I think she got elbowed by (Dearica) Hamby. I know she was bleeding. And I know she couldn’t come back.”
— Callie Fin (@CallieJLaw) June 12, 2025
“There isn’t much certainty with A’ja Wilson’s status until she visits a doctor tomorrow,” Aces head coach Becky Hammon told reporters postgame. “I think she got elbowed by (Dearica) Hamby. I know she was bleeding. And I know she couldn’t come back.” The Aces have officially listed the injury as a head injury.
Las Vegas Aces Season in Jeopardy Without MVP
Wilson’s potential absence poses a major concern for an Aces team already treading water at 4-4. The star forward is averaging 20.9 points and 9.6 rebounds per game this season.
Before exiting, Wilson managed 13 points on 2-of-12 shooting, eight rebounds, five assists, four blocks, and two steals in 28 minutes. Her off night shooting mirrored the Aces’ broader offensive issues. Las Vegas currently owns the league’s worst field-goal percentage at 38.9%.
The timing couldn’t be worse for the perennial contender, who dropped their second straight game and now face a tough stretch ahead. Jackie Young scored a career-high-tying 34 points, and Chelsea Gray added 28, but it wasn’t enough to offset Wilson’s absence and the Sparks’ balanced attack, led by Rickea Jackson’s 30 points.
The injury compounds existing challenges for the Aces, who traded away Kelsey Plum in the offseason and have struggled to integrate Jewell Loyd into their system.
Now, their championship hopes hinge on Wilson’s availability. With a Friday matchup looming against the Dallas Wings—led by rookie standout Paige Bueckers, fresh off a 35-point breakout—the Aces must find ways to compete without their anchor.
Wilson’s medical results could define the rest of the season. For now, the Aces can only hope their MVP returns before their title hopes slip out of reach.