'Aces high': Talbot's Las Vegas in driver's seat

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Las Vegas Aces 100 def. Minnesota Lynx 97

WNBA Commissioner's Cup

Australian Opals forward Stephanie Talbot helped keep the Las Vegas Aces unbeaten as they edged the Minnesota Lynx 100-97 to move to 5-0 in the 2026 WNBA Commissioner's Cup.

Talbot played 20 minutes and grabbed three rebounds while helping limit Minnesota's frontcourt in a physical contest between the Western Conference's top two teams. The veteran missed her only field goal attempt but finished with a team-best plus-minus of +9.

The victory vaulted Las Vegas to outright top spot in the Western Conference Commissioner's Cup standings, one game clear of Minnesota and within touching distance of a berth in the Commissioner's Cup Final.

A'ja Wilson led the Aces with 24 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks, while Chelsea Gray knocked down six three-pointers on her way to 23 points and seven assists. Jackie Young added 16 points and 10 assists as Las Vegas shot 54% from the field and 44% from beyond the arc.

Minnesota had opportunities late behind rookie sensation Olivia Miles, who poured in 29 points, while Natasha Howard added 22 points and nine rebounds and Kayla McBride scored 19.

The Lynx shot 49% from the field and 43% from three-point range but could not overcome the Aces' offensive balance and late execution.

Las Vegas improved to 5-0 in Commissioner's Cup play with a +44 points differential, while Minnesota slipped to 4-1 and one game back of the conference leaders.

🇦🇺 Australians

• Stephanie Talbot (Aces) — 0 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 20 minutes

Portland Fire 84 def. Dallas Wings 83

WNBA Commissioner's Cup

Australian Opals forward Alanna Smith and the Dallas Wings fell a point short as the Portland Fire held on for an 84-83 win in a WNBA Commissioner's Cup clash.

Smith played 11 minutes off the Dallas bench and finished with four points and three rebounds, shooting 1-from-3 from the field and 2-of-2 from the free throw line. The 29-year-old continues to build minutes after returning from a nose injury.

Dallas erased an 11-point halftime deficit and briefly threatened to steal the game late, but Portland's hot shooting from beyond the arc proved decisive. The Fire knocked down 14-of-31 three-pointers at 45%, compared to Dallas' 7-of-28 effort from deep.

Bridget Carleton led Portland with 20 points, connecting on 6-of-10 from three-point range, while Megan Gustafson added 16 points and six rebounds. Emily Engstler chipped in 11 points and six boards.

Dallas was led by Arike Ogunbowale's 22 points, while Azzi Fudd added 18 and Aziaha James scored 17. Jessica Shepard recorded a double-double with 13 points and 14 rebounds.

The victory improved Portland to 1-4 in Commissioner's Cup play and snapped a four-game losing streak, while Dallas dropped to 3-2 and slipped two games behind conference leader Las Vegas (5-0). The Wings remain level with Golden State and Los Angeles in the congested race behind the Aces and Lynx.

Australian forward Nyadiew Puoch did not suit up for Portland because of a left ankle sprain.

🇦🇺 Australians

• Alanna Smith (Wings) — 4 points, 3 rebounds, 11 minutes
• Nyadiew Puoch (Fire) — DNP (left ankle sprain)

Los Angeles Sparks 111 def. Phoenix Mercury 102 OT

WNBA Commissioner's Cup

Australian Opals veteran Sami Whitcomb remained sidelined as the Phoenix Mercury fell 111-102 in overtime to the Los Angeles Sparks in a WNBA Commissioner's Cup clash.

Whitcomb, who is recovering from a knee injury, did not suit up as Phoenix dropped to 2-4 in Commissioner's Cup play and was eliminated from contention for a place in the Final.

The Sparks exploded in overtime, outscoring the Mercury 13-4 after the teams were locked at 98 at the end of regulation. Los Angeles shot 44% from three-point range and received a spectacular performance from Kelsey Plum.

Plum erupted for 43 points, seven assists and five made threes, while Rae Burrell added 24 points off the bench and Nneka Ogwumike finished with 15 points, 15 rebounds and three blocks.

Phoenix was led by Kahleah Copper, who poured in 41 points and 10 rebounds on 16-from-30 shooting. Alyssa Thomas added 10 points and 12 assists, while Natasha Mack contributed 11 points, 12 rebounds and three blocks.

The loss dropped Phoenix to 4-11 overall and 2-4 in Commissioner's Cup play, while Los Angeles improved to 3-2 and remained in the hunt behind Western Conference leader Las Vegas (5-0) and second-placed Minnesota (4-1).

Whitcomb has now missed multiple games with the knee injury as Phoenix's difficult Commissioner's Cup campaign nears its end.

🇦🇺 Australians

• Sami Whitcomb (Mercury) — DNP (knee injury)