Nalyssa Smith Powers Aces with Third Double-Double of the Season
Birthday vibes turned into a big-time performance for NaLyssa Smith on Friday. The Aces forward grabbed a double-double with 10 points (5-6 FG, 0-1 FT) and a season-best 12 rebounds, adding an assist across 31 minutes in Las Vegas’ 90-86 win over the Seattle Storm. It was her third double-double of the season, and she showed she’s capable of making a splash on her special day.
Smith, who recently signed to return to Athletes Unlimited Pro Basketball this winter, has been quietly asserting herself as a force on the boards and a spark off the bench since joining the Aces from the Dallas Wings in July. Her scoring may sit around seven points per game in August, but she’s been cleaning the glass, contesting shots, and giving Las Vegas energy whenever they need it. Friday’s game was a perfect example of her ability to flip the momentum with hustle and smart plays.
With the stretch run of the season in full swing, Smith’s combination of savvy rebounding and timely scoring has made her a key piece of Las Vegas’ rotation. Whether it’s crashing the boards or hitting the floor hard on defense, she’s proving she’s just as impactful in August as she was during her AU Pro Basketball championship run—and fans who follow her in AU this winter will have plenty more to cheer for.
Alysha Clark – Washington Mystics
In just her second appearance with Washington, Clark scored nine points (3-5 FG, 1-1 3Pt, 2-3 FT) and three rebounds in 26 minutes during Sunday’s 91-78 win over Dallas. With Shakira Austin sidelined, Clark made the most of her minutes off the bench and is worth watching in the final stretch.
Bria Hartley – Connecticut Sun
Hartley had two strong outings this week, including 16 points in 26 minutes during Thursday’s loss to Los Angeles (4-8 from three), with three assists and one rebound. On Sunday, she added nine points on perfect 3-3 shooting from three, alongside four assists and three rebounds.
Isabelle Harrison – New York Liberty
Harrison posted eight points and one rebound in Friday’s 88-77 win over Dallas, then followed with nine points, five rebounds, one steal, and one assist in Sunday’s loss to Minnesota. Both performances marked her top-scoring outings of August.
Jacy Sheldon – Washington Mystics
Making her Mystics debut after a trade from Connecticut, Sheldon scored eight points (2-6 FG, 0-3 3Pt, 4-5 FT) and two rebounds in 22 minutes during Sunday’s win. She will compete for minutes with Jade Melbourne and Lucy Olsen as the season closes out.
Siera Jones is the digital media reporter at Athletes Unlimited. You can follow her on Instagram and X @sieraajones.
