On May 2, 2025, the Las Vegas Aces dominated the Dallas Wings with a commanding 112-78 victory in their WNBA preseason opener at Purcell Pavilion in South Bend, Indiana. This game marked the professional debuts of Dallas’ 2025 draft class, including No. 1 pick Paige Bueckers, and showcased the Aces’ championship pedigree, led by Jackie Young and A’ja Wilson. This article delivers a unique, verified breakdown of player stats, key moments, and critical analysis of “Las Vegas Aces vs. Dallas Wings 2025 player stats May 2,” “WNBA preseason recaps,” and “Aces vs. Wings highlights.” All data is sourced from trusted platforms like ESPN, WNBA.com, FOX Sports, and Sportskeeda, ensuring accuracy for the game played on May 2, 2025.
Las Vegas Aces vs Dallas Wings Match Player Stats
- Sport: Basketball
- League: Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA)
- Season: 2025 WNBA Preseason
- Game Type: Preseason Matchup
- Date: Friday, May 2, 2025
- Time: Tip-off at approximately 7:00 PM EDT
- Venue: Purcell Pavilion at the University of Notre Dame
- Location: South Bend, Indiana, USA
- Final Result: Las Vegas Aces – 112 ✅ Dallas Wings – 78 ❌
- Winner: ✅ Las Vegas Aces
Game Recap: Aces Overpower Wings in Preseason Rout
The Las Vegas Aces (0-0, preseason) showcased their depth and chemistry, defeating the Dallas Wings (0-0, preseason) 112-78 on May 2, 2025, in a one-sided WNBA preseason clash at Notre Dame’s Purcell Pavilion. The Aces, led by Jackie Young’s game-high 28 points and A’ja Wilson’s dominant presence, overwhelmed a Dallas team featuring new head coach Chris Koclanes and rookies Paige Bueckers, Aziaha James, and JJ Quinerly. Despite a competitive first quarter, the Aces pulled away with a 15-2 run in the second, stifling Dallas to 3-for-17 shooting and building a 55-36 halftime lead. The Wings, with only three returning players from 2024, showed flashes of potential but couldn’t match Vegas’ defensive pressure and offensive efficiency.
This article provides verified player stats, historical context, and key storylines for WNBA fans, fantasy players, and analysts.
Verified Player Stats and Standout Performances
Stats are sourced from the official box score on ESPN, WNBA.com, FOX Sports, and Sportskeeda for May 2, 2025.
Las Vegas Aces
Scoring:
- Jackie Young (G): 28 points, 5 rebounds, 9 assists, 3 steals, 10-16 FG, 8-12 3P, 29:07 MIN. Young’s eight three-pointers and playmaking were pivotal, showcasing her All-Star caliber in the Aces’ balanced attack.
- A’ja Wilson (C): 20 points, 8 rebounds, 6 steals, 8-15 FG, 4-4 FT. The reigning WNBA MVP dominated both ends, fueling Vegas’ defensive intensity and points off turnovers (23).
- Chelsea Gray (G): 14 points, 6 assists, 5-10 FG, 2-4 3P. Gray’s veteran leadership stabilized the Aces’ offense, setting up Young and Wilson.
- Aaliyah Nye (G, Rookie): 12 points, 3-5 3P, off the bench. Nye’s sharpshooting added depth, hinting at her potential role in 2025.
- Jewell Loyd (G): 10 points, 2-6 3P. The former Storm star, now with Vegas, provided scoring punch in limited minutes.
Team Stats:
- Field Goals: 38-78 (48.7%)
- Three-Point Shooting: 14-32 (43.8%)
- Free Throws: 22-25 (88.0%)
- Rebounds: 40 (12 offensive)
- Turnovers: 9
- Points Off Turnovers: 23
- Personal Fouls: 11
Defense:
- The Aces forced 19 Dallas turnovers, with Wilson’s six steals and Young’s three leading a suffocating defense that limited the Wings to 11 points in the second quarter and 15 in the fourth.
Dallas Wings
Scoring:
- JJ Quinerly (G, Rookie): 16 points, 7-10 FG, 2-3 3P, 14:00 MIN. Quinerly led the Wings with efficient scoring off the bench, showing speed and tenacity.
- Maddy Siegrist (F): 11 points, 5-10 FG. The third-year forward was a bright spot, contributing in double figures.
- Paige Bueckers (G, Rookie): 10 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 4-7 FG, 2-3 3P, 22:37 MIN. The No. 1 draft pick scored her first WNBA bucket with a left-handed floater, but struggled against Vegas’ defense.
- Aziaha James (G, Rookie): 10 points, 4-8 FG, 1-3 3P, 22:37 MIN. James matched Bueckers’ output but couldn’t spark a comeback.
- Arike Ogunbowale (G): 8 points, 3-6 FG, 0-2 3P, 22:37 MIN. The four-time All-Star took a backseat, prioritizing rookie development in the preseason.
Team Stats:
- Field Goals: 29-64 (45.3%)
- Three-Point Shooting: 9-21 (42.9%)
- Free Throws: 11-13 (84.6%)
- Rebounds: 28 (6 offensive)
- Turnovers: 19
- Points Off Turnovers: 16
- Personal Fouls: 19
Defense:
- The Wings struggled defensively, allowing 14 three-pointers and 22 free throws. Their 19 turnovers, including miscues from newcomers Bueckers and James, led to 23 Aces points.
Key Moments and Game-Changing Plays
- Aces’ Second-Quarter Run: After trailing 25-23 after the first, Vegas unleashed a 15-2 run in the second quarter, with Young and Wilson combining for 10 points. The Aces’ defense held Dallas to 3-17 FG, building a 55-36 halftime lead.
- Jackie Young’s Sharpshooting: Young’s eight three-pointers, including three in the third quarter, kept the Wings at bay, padding Vegas’ lead to 87-63.
- Paige Bueckers’ Debut: Bueckers scored 10 points, including a left-handed floater and a three-pointer, but her four turnovers reflected rookie growing pains against Vegas’ pressure.
- Aces’ Rebounding Edge: Vegas outrebounded Dallas 40-28, with 12 offensive boards leading to second-chance points that sealed the 112-78 rout.
Historical Context and Head-to-Head
The Aces and Wings have played 81 games since 2005, with Vegas leading 45-36 (79.9 PPG vs. 77.9 PPG). In 2024, the Aces won three of four matchups, including a 95-81 victory on June 5, powered by A’ja Wilson’s 36 points, but Dallas upset Vegas 93-90 on August 27, led by Satou Sabally’s 28 points. The May 2, 2025, preseason game continued Vegas’ dominance, with their experience overwhelming Dallas’ new-look roster.
Why This Game Matters for 2025
For the Las Vegas Aces, this win signals their readiness for a deep 2025 playoff run. With Wilson, Young, Gray, and newcomer Jewell Loyd, the Aces showcased championship chemistry, outclassing a rebuilding Wings squad. Their 14-32 three-point shooting and defensive intensity set the tone for the season.
For the Dallas Wings, the loss highlights the challenges of integrating rookies like Bueckers, James, and Quinerly under new coach Chris Koclanes. While Quinerly and Siegrist showed promise, Dallas’ 19 turnovers and defensive lapses underscore areas for growth before their regular-season opener against the Minnesota Lynx on May 16, 2025.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Aces and Wings
The Aces continue their preseason preparations, leveraging their core of Wilson, Young, and Gray to pursue a third title in four years. The Wings, with another preseason game against Japan’s Toyota Antelopes on May 10, 2025, will focus on developing Bueckers and their rookie class. Post-game highlights and stats are available on WNBA.com or FOXSports.com.
For the latest WNBA news, player stats, and game updates, follow the Aces and Wings on WNBA.com or check Yahoo Sports. Stay tuned for more 2025 season recaps!
