Total Collapse: Aces Embarrassed by Valkyries in Shocking 95–68 Blowout on National TV

In one of the most unexpected and humiliating defeats in recent WNBA memory, the defending champion Las Vegas Aces were completely dismantled by the Golden State Valkyries, losing 95–68 in a nationally televised game on ABC. For a team that once appeared untouchable, Sunday’s meltdown was nothing short of a wake-up call.

The loss — a staggering 27-point margin — isn’t just a statistical blip. It’s a clear sign that something is seriously wrong with a team once regarded as the league’s gold standard. From sloppy execution to questionable rotations and a lack of energy on both ends of the court, the Aces were outworked, outplayed, and, perhaps most importantly, out-hustled by an expansion team.

The Valkyries Aren’t Supposed to Do This — But They Did

Coming into the game, the Valkyries held a 2–5 record and were widely seen as a young, scrappy team full of potential but not quite ready to compete with the league’s elite. That narrative was shattered within the first 10 minutes of play. The Valkyries opened with a 12–0 run and never looked back, leading 60–31 at one point in the second half.

Led by Kayla Thornton, who dropped 22 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, the Valkyries looked like seasoned playoff veterans. Veronica Burton was the breakout star of the game, finishing with a jaw-dropping +40 plus/minus while orchestrating the offense with poise and control. Her defense on Jewell Loyd — holding her to just 1 point — was masterclass level.

Even Olivia Nelson-Ododa, who had seen her minutes diminish in recent games, contributed with energy and smart decision-making on defense. Golden State played like a team with something to prove — and they proved it emphatically.

The Aces Implode on National Television

What made the loss even more painful for Las Vegas fans was the spotlight it occurred under: a prime-time broadcast on ABC, with millions watching. And what they saw wasn’t just a bad performance — it was an implosion.

A’ja Wilson, the team’s centerpiece and two-time MVP, posted a respectable stat line on paper — 17 points, 6 rebounds — but shot just 5-of-13 from the field and had minimal impact defensively. The game raised an uncomfortable comparison: is Wilson starting to mirror Ronda Rousey’s arc — dominant when the competition was weak, but exposed when the game evolves?

Point guard Chelsea Gray had perhaps the most baffling stat line of the night: 1 assist and 3 turnovers. For a player of her caliber, it was a stunning collapse in floor leadership. Her 16 points couldn’t mask the disorganization on offense or the porous defense at the other end.

Even bench players couldn’t find rhythm. Carla Leite was completely removed from the rotation again, while veterans looked tired and uninspired. The team’s body language was flat, and the effort level wasn’t remotely close to championship-caliber.

The Numbers Tell the Story — And It’s Ugly

Valkyries led by as many as 33 points

Aces shot just 38.5% from the field

They were outscored 38–22 in the paint

Las Vegas committed 16 turnovers

Worse, this was not an isolated performance. The Aces have now lost two of their last three games and sit at 4–3 — a record that includes wins over sub-.500 teams like the Sparks, Mystics (without Brittney Sykes), and a single narrow win over the Storm.

Their schedule hasn’t even been that tough. Of the Aces’ seven games so far, six have been against teams with losing records. And yet, their performance has been wildly inconsistent. As one commentator bluntly put it: “Don’t quote me their record. The Aces suck right now.”

What’s Going Wrong in Las Vegas?

There are several theories floating around — and they’re not flattering.

Some critics point to complacency. After winning back-to-back championships, it’s not uncommon for teams to lose their edge. But this feels deeper.

Others believe the issue is internal chemistry, especially with rotation players being shuffled and younger talent like Kate Martin emerging unexpectedly. Martin, who was nearly out of the rotation earlier this season, is now averaging double digits over the last four games and playing with more energy than some starters.

And then there’s the elephant in the room: A’ja Wilson’s perceived underperformance against elite competition. While her box scores remain solid, her impact in big games is starting to come under scrutiny. She’s posting strong numbers — but often in losses or against weaker teams.

Is This Rock Bottom for the Aces?

It might be — but it could also be a blessing in disguise.

Sometimes, teams need to get punched in the mouth to remember what made them great. This defeat is as humbling as it gets. The Aces weren’t just outplayed — they were exposed.

But the season is still young, and Las Vegas has a favorable stretch of games ahead, including matchups against the Sparks and Wings. If there’s a time to regroup, realign, and reassert dominance, it’s now.

Becky Hammon, known for her tactical acumen, has her work cut out. Rotations need tweaking. Roles need clarity. And the team’s stars need to play like stars — not stat accumulators.

Final Thoughts: Championship DNA or a Team in Decline?

The Aces still have the talent to be a championship contender — but talent alone isn’t enough in today’s WNBA. Teams like the Valkyries, though raw and inexperienced, are coming for the throne with relentless effort and no fear.

Sunday’s blowout was more than a bad night. It was a warning. A sign that the gap between the Aces and the rest of the league may be closing faster than anyone expected.

For Las Vegas, the question now isn’t whether they can bounce back — it’s whether they have the will to. Because if they don’t, nights like this one in San Francisco won’t be rare — they’ll be the new normal.