This Saturday night, the Las Vegas Aces are set to host the Los Angeles Sparks in their second clash of the season. Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET, with live coverage on CBS and streaming available via Paramount+.
As reigning WNBA champions, the Aces have started strong with a 4-1 record, their only defeat coming against the Phoenix Mercury in their season opener on May 9. They recently secured a heart-pounding 85-84 victory over the Atlanta Dream, where Chelsea Gray delivered a decisive performance in the final moments.
The Los Angeles Sparks, standing at 2-3, recently triumphed over the Mercury with a 97-88 win on the road, showcasing 15 successful three-pointers. Their impressive 60-point first half tied the record for the second-highest opening half in the franchise’s history.
In a special pre-game event at the Michelob ULTRA Arena, Las Vegas will celebrate by raising their 2025 WNBA championship banner. The team previously held their ring ceremony on May 9.
Where to watch LA Sparks vs. Las Vegas Aces
Date: Saturday, May 23 | Time: 8 p.m. ET
Location: Michelob ULTRA Arena — Las Vegas, NV
TV: CBS | Live stream: Paramount+
Last meeting
Historically, the Sparks lead the series 57-51, but the Aces have claimed victory in their last three matchups. In their season opener on May 10, the Aces routed the Sparks 105-78, with Kelsey Plum scoring an impressive 27 points against her former team. This marked the 31st occasion Plum has surpassed 25 points in a WNBA game. Unfortunately, Nneka Ogwumike, who recorded a double-double with 19 points and 10 rebounds, will be sidelined for Saturday’s game due to a hand injury.
It was a strong shooting night for the Aces, who went 43 of 69 from the field. That 62.3% was the second-best percentage in franchise history. They had five players reach double figures, led by Chennedy Carter’s 22 points off the bench, while starters Jackie Young and A’ja Wilson contributed 20 and 19 points, respectively.
Chennedy Carter’s immediate impact
When it comes to the Aces, the conversation always starts with four-time MVP A’ja Wilson. However, newcomer Chennedy Carter’s role is worth highlighting too. She might have a somewhat controversial past, but signing her during free agency has already paid off for the Aces. Through the first five games of the season, Carter is leading the team in steals and is the second leading scorer behind A’ja Wilson while coming off the bench.
This is looking like a promising season for Carter as she is averaging a career-high 19.4 points per game while shooting a career-best 67.2% from the field. It is still early in the 2026 campaign, but Carter is making a strong case for Sixth Player of the Year. While she is still working on improving her defense, Aces coach Becky Hammon described her as a “spark plug” of the bench that the Aces really needed.
“That firepower off the bench. I’m asking her to play a really high-intensity role,” Hammon said this week. “I’m asking her to play a really exhausting way because she is capable, and that is something that we don’t have. That’s something she can bring to our team that we didn’t necessarily have before. Just trying to put her in spots to be successful. She’s integrated really nicely with the group. Not just on the court but off the court.”
Ogwumike making history in L.A. return
Ogwumike scored 12 points in the Sparks’ 97-88 victory over the Mercury on Thursday night, and in the process, she continued writing her name in the WNBA history books. She now has a total of 7,383 career points, which moved her into fifth place on the league’s all-time scoring list, passing Hall of Famer Tamika Catchings.
What made it more special is the fact that Ogwumike did it in her return to Los Angeles after spending two seasons with the Seattle Storm. She was drafted No. 1 overall by the Sparks in 2012 and stayed with the franchise until 2023. Ogwumike was a free agent this offseason and made the decision to rejoin her former team.
Next up on the all-time scorers list is Tina Thompson, who wrapped up her WNBA career in 2013 with a total of 7,488 points. Through the first five games of this season, Ogwumike is averaging 15.6 points per game while shooting 55.8% from the field.
WNBA’s career points leaders
- Diana Taurasi – 10,646
- Tina Charles – 8,396
- DeWanna Bonner – 7,871
- Tina Thompson – 7,488
- Nneka Ogwumike – 7,383
