Las Vegas Aces Beat Toronto Tempo as NaLyssa Smith Suffers Knee Injury

The Las Vegas Aces defeated the Toronto Tempo 88-78 on Sunday, August 15, 2026, advancing to third in the WNBA standings with a 26-13 record, according to reporting by EssentiallySports.

NaLyssa Smith Exits Sunday Matchup With Left Knee Injury

The incident occurred with approximately 3:16 remaining in the third quarter at Rogers Arena, according to footage detailed by B/R W Sports and cited by EssentiallySports. After a steal by Jewell Loyd, Las Vegas pushed the ball in transition as Jackie Young delivered a pass to Smith cutting toward the basket. Smith attempted to corral the pass for a layup when she came down awkwardly on her left leg in what appeared to be a non-contact sequence.

Smith immediately fell to the floor, clutching her left knee and slapping the hardwood in visible pain. The Aces’ bench and head coach Becky Hammon rushed to the floor to aid the forward. According to the sources, Smith was evaluated by the team’s training staff and was unable to put weight on her left leg while being escorted back to the locker room. She did not return to the game.

Aces Roster Impact and Standings Context

Before exiting the game, Smith had appeared in 37 games for Las Vegas this season, averaging 11.8 points and 6.4 rebounds per contest. According to the sources, she leads the WNBA in field-goal percentage. EssentiallySports notes that she ranks fifth on the team in scoring and second in rebounds behind reigning MVP A’ja Wilson, operating as a key two-way contributor. The Aces currently hold a 26-13 record following Sunday’s 88-78 win over Toronto, putting them third in the league standings. Las Vegas and the Tempo are scheduled to face each other again on August 28, 2026, as the Aces look to secure a top-four finish and home-court advantage for the playoffs. Neither Aces management nor team medical staff released an official update regarding the exact nature or severity of the injury following the game.