NaLyssa Smith Leaves Aces Win With Concerning Knee Injury

Forward NaLyssa Smith suffered a knee injury during the Las Vegas Aces matchup with the Toronto Tempo on Sunday and left the game, not returning to action.

Las Vegas defeated Toronto 88-78, capturing its 26th win of the season. However, the uncertainty surrounding Smith's injury overshadowed the team's victory.

Smith went down late in the third quarter after attempting a layup, grabbing her left knee and hitting the floor. She was carried off the floor and did not return to the game.

Head coach Becky Hammon, the team and medical staff gathered around Smith after the injury. Hammon did not provide any specific updates after the game.

Smith joined the Aces after being traded from the Dallas Wings in 2025. She played 27 games with Las Vegas, averaging 8.2 points, 5.3 rebounds and 0.7 assists in 22.7 minutes per game.

The Las Vegas forward started 26 games during the 2025 season and helped the franchise capture its third championship. This season, she is averaging 11.7 points and 6.4 rebounds while shooting 63.8% from the floor.

Hammon emphasizes the next-woman-up mentality, but if Smith misses an extended period, the team could struggle to find a solution. The 6-foot-4 forward provides flexibility because of the numerous positions she can guard.

Smith often guards the opposing team's center, which takes defensive pressure off forward A'ja Wilson.

Throughout this season, the Aces have largely avoided major injuries. However, the team cut ties with guard Chennedy Carter on July 7 and signed guard/forward Justine Pissott. Hammon declined to explain the move.

Since then, the franchise has added guards Ta'Niya Latson and Mai Yamamoto. Latson signed a developmental player contract in July 2026, while Yamamoto scored 24 points against the Aces during a preseason exhibition game with the Japanese national team.

Las Vegas is first in assists per game, averaging 21.9, and fifth in points per game at 90.5. The franchise also leads the league in blocks per game at 4.9 and is third in 3-point percentage at 35.7%.

The Aces clinched a playoff berth on Aug. 13 after defeating the Washington Mystics 83-76 at Michelob ULTRA Arena. The team is third in the league standings at 26-13 and has an opportunity to move up in the rankings.

Las Vegas has five games remaining, and all of its upcoming opponents are under .500. There have been no further updates on Smith's injury.