‘Winning is fun:’ NaLyssa Smith shining in Aces’ playoff run
Summary
NaLyssa Smith has emerged as a key piece for the Las Vegas Aces in their first-round WNBA play-off series against the Seattle Storm. In Game 1 the Aces won 102-77 and Smith posted 11 points and nine rebounds while providing vital interior defence, including two first-quarter blocks that set the tone. Acquired mid-season from the Dallas Wings and touted as a “walking double-double,” Smith has earned a starting role over Kiah Stokes and is showing the consistency the Aces sought when they traded for her.
Smith celebrated her first career play-off win as part of an Aces squad that rode a franchise-record 17-game win streak to secure the No. 2 seed. Coach Becky Hammon and star A’ja Wilson praised Smith’s defensive progress and coachability — Wilson singled out Smith’s willingness to do the small, timely plays that make a big difference in the post-season.
Key Points
- Smith recorded 11 points and nine rebounds in Game 1 of the best-of-three series as the Aces won 102-77.
- Her defensive presence — including two first-quarter blocks — helped the Aces dominate early and control the game.
- The Aces acquired Smith from the Dallas Wings and expected her to be a consistent interior contributor; she’s delivered and earned a starting spot.
- Smith’s ability to relieve offensive pressure on MVP A’ja Wilson adds depth and balance to Las Vegas’s lineup.
- Coaching staff and teammates praise her improvement, discipline (she had zero fouls in Game 1) and coachability.
- Game 2 is scheduled at Climate Pledge Arena (Seattle) — ESPN; Aces can close the series with a win in Game 2.
Why should I read this?
Quick version: if you follow the Aces or the WNBA, this is the tidy update you need. Smith’s climb from mid-season trade pickup to starting forward gives Las Vegas another legitimate weapon — especially on defence — and that changes how the Aces look in the play-offs. We’ve skimmed the fluff so you don’t have to: she’s playing big, the team’s rolling, and Game 2 matters.
Author take
Punchy and to the point: Smith’s growth isn’t just a feel-good story — it’s tangible roster improvement. For a team chasing a title, that kind of interior defence and reliable rebounding can swing short series. Fans should watch her minutes and match-ups closely; opponents certainly will.