LAS VEGAS, July 9, 2026 – The Las Vegas Aces defeated the Portland Fire 88-80. The headline, however, belongs to rookie guard Carla Leite. Her 22 points, 7 assists, and 3 steals off the bench transformed a potential loss into a statement win.
Leite’s performance was the catalyst. She shot 8-of-13 from the field, including 4-of-6 from three-point range. Her energy disrupted Portland’s defensive scheme, creating mismatches that the Aces exploited relentlessly.
A’ja Wilson provided the veteran anchor. She posted a double-double with 24 points and 12 rebounds, locking down the paint. Wilson’s resurgence is timely, as the Aces prepare to host the Phoenix Mercury.
The game’s turning point came in the fourth quarter. The Aces unleashed a 12-0 run, fueled by Leite’s steal and fast-break assist to Wilson. Portland never recovered. Leite’s crossover that froze a Fire defender and Wilson’s block on a fast break are already trending on social media.
This win solidifies Leite’s rising star status in the WNBA. Her ability to complement Wilson’s post presence gives the Aces a dynamic one-two punch. For the Mercury matchup, Leite’s confidence will be critical against Phoenix’s backcourt.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: How many points did Carla Leite score in the Aces’ win over the Fire?
- A: Carla Leite scored 22 points off the bench, shooting 8-of-13 from the field and 4-of-6 from three-point range.
- Q: What was the key turning point in the Aces’ 88-80 victory?
- A: The turning point came in the fourth quarter when the Aces unleashed a 12-0 run, sparked by Leite’s steal and fast-break assist to A’ja Wilson.
- Q: How did A’ja Wilson perform in the game?
- A: A’ja Wilson posted a double-double with 24 points and 12 rebounds, anchoring the paint for the Aces.
Extended Reading
For full game highlights, visit: WNBA.com . For analysis on Wilson’s form, see: CBS Sports . Note: ESPN recap at ESPN.com was inaccessible due to a 403 error.