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Mradul Sharma

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  • Published: Sep 10 2025 11:19 AM
  • Last Updated: Sep 10 2025 11:39 AM

Las Vegas Aces vs Chicago Sky clash turned into a basketball thriller. From Jewell Loyd’s 6,000-point milestone to Cheyenne Parker-Tyus’s emotional comeback, here’s every highlight .


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Even though the Aces won the game over the Sky by the score of 92-61, the game had all the elements of a memorable playoff game - urgency, milestone occurrences, emotion, and drama. The Aces had the game set up for a franchise record winning streak (AND YOU BET PEOPLE WILL REMEMBER THAT) and the Sky looked to continue to play without pressure and have fun.

The atmosphere was electric with 15,640 fans crammed into T-Mobile Arena. From the opening whistle it felt like there were high stakes on almost every play. Game after game with top talent playing along with teams that were separated by the foul line were renewed. There were milestones such as Jewell Loyd's 4,000 career point game with over 20 points, the emotional return for Cheyenne Parker-Tyus for the Sky, and the resilience and grit both sides demonstrated. 

sky vs aces

A Tense Opening

The first quarter of the game started like a heavyweight boxing match. Teams were a little bit probing, testing one another, and concentrating on defense.

The Aces leaned on Jackie Young's sharp shooting and A'ja Wilson's presence on the inside.

The Sky, without Angel Rese, put an enormous burden on Kamilla Cardoso's rebounding and Michaela Onyenwere's energy plays.

The score remained close, but Vegas's traps on defense were causing turnovers. You could feel the Sky trying to generate rhythm without their star that was serving a suspension. What became obvious to me by the end of the first quarter was that the Aces had a slight lead but the momentum in the building had shifted.

Loyd’s Milestone Moment

Jewell Loyd owned the second quarter. With a step-back jumper from midrange, she eclipsed the 6,000 career points mark, a historic feat for the WNBA. 

The crowd stood, her teammates hugged her during a timeout, and even the Sky players clapped for the occasion. At that moment, time stood still for something greater than competition—excellence and longevity in women's basketball. 

Meanwhile, Chelsea Gray continued to adeptly run the Aces' offense, dishing the ball with the precision of an orchestra conductor. Las Vegas started to stretch the lead out to double digits, but Chicago scrapped back as Cardoso made a couple of tough baskets inside.

At halftime: Aces 44 – Sky 33.

The Turning Point

If there was one quarter that made this game, it was the third.

The Aces went on another 11-point run, after Kelsey Plum had a roll on steals that ended in her transition baskets.

The Sky made critical mistakes and looked a bit rattled.

This was when Cheyenne Parker-Tyus arrived on the scene, making her Las Vegas debut that was only two months removed from giving birth. She received a huge ovation and it became one of those moments you get goosebumps, she played eight minutes and scored eight points with poise and determination. 

That emotional moment changed the whole vibe to the side of Las Vegas. The Aces led by almost 20 by the end of the third, and the Sky was running out of answers.

Closing In Style

This final quarter was all about finishing strong. The Aces put their bench players in and they out-played the Sky. Riquna Williams, Alysha Clark, and a smothering defense brought the Aces to victory.

The Sky wanted to get hot from three and rally, but the Aces' defense was tenacious and suffocating. The game finished 92–61, a statement win and set the Aces' win streak at 15 games—tied for the 3rd longest win streak in the history of the WNBA.

Star Performances – Who Shined Brightest?

Player (Team)

Points

Rebounds

Assists

Notes

Jewell Loyd (Aces)

15

3

2

Crossed 6,000 career points

Jackie Young (Aces)

15

5

4

Steady scoring all night

A’ja Wilson (Aces)

14

7

2

Defensive anchor, big inside plays

Chelsea Gray (Aces)

10

2

8

Controlled the pace

Cheyenne Parker-Tyus (Aces)

8

2

1

Emotional return after childbirth

Kamilla Cardoso (Sky)

13

13

1

Double-double despite tough defense

Michaela Onyenwere (Sky)

13

4

0

Provided energy and scoring burst

Key Turning Points

Loyd’s 6,000th point – lifted the Aces emotionally.

Third-quarter run (11-0) – broke Chicago’s resistance.

Parker-Tyus debut – emotional high for Vegas and its fans.

Reese absence – Sky lacked offensive balance without their star.

sky vs aces

The Human Side Of The Game

As a reporter, I can say that it was not just the final score that left an impression – it was also the feelings:

Parker-Tyus taking the floor so soon after being a mother reminded everyone that athletes are people before they are heroes.

Jewell Loyd’s milestone celebrated years of sacrifice, preparation and consistent performance.

Chicago’s struggles illustrated what young athletes are going through when headlines are bigger than basketball.

This was beyond a game – it was a catalyst for resilience, community and perspective on the stories that matter to sport.

Playoff Implications

Aces: With this win, the Aces almost locked the No. 2 seed, giving them a smoother path to the finals.

Sky: Chicago still had to fight for playoff positioning, but with Reese’s situation unclear, pressure mounted.

Comparison To Previous Meetings

7th Sept 2025: Aces beat Sky 80–66, with A’ja Wilson dominating.

10th Sept 2025: Aces beat Sky 92–61, showcasing depth and balance.

Clearly, Vegas had Chicago’s number this month.

Expert Reactions

Coaches: Becky Hammon praised the team’s defense and balance. Sky’s interim coach admitted they lacked discipline and needed leadership.

Fans: Social media buzzed with love for Parker-Tyus’s comeback story, with hashtags like #WNBAFamily trending.

Analysts: Many suggested the Aces looked like the only real threat to topple the New York Liberty in the postseason.

Biggest Takeaways

Aces are hitting their stride at the most opportune time.

Jewell Loyd’s milestone solidified her legacy.

Parker-Tyus’s return energized not just the fans but her teammates.

If the Sky want success in the playoffs, they need Angel Reese back.

Also Read:

Why the Mariners Are Baseball’s Most Underrated Team
 

FAQ

 Jewell Loyd (15 points, 6,000 points for her career) and Jackie Young (15 points) stuck out for the Aces while Kamilla Cardoso had 13 points and 13 rebounds for the Sky.

 No, Angel Reese was previously suspended, plus had a back injury, so she sat out.

 Cheyenne Parker-Tyus hit the floor again just two months after giving birth, and scored 8 points in 8 minutes.

 The Aces got their 15th consecutive win in a row and are in a great spot for the No. 2 seed, which puts them in prime position to make another run at the Finals.

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