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Aces Deliver Historic Rout, Rookie Pissott Sets Record in Wild WNBA Night — Melanin News | Melanin
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Aces Deliver Historic Rout, Rookie Pissott Sets Record in Wild WNBA NightSports

Aces Deliver Historic Rout, Rookie Pissott Sets Record in Wild WNBA Night

3d ago

Las Vegas was the site of WNBA history this past Saturday, but for two very different reasons. The reigning champion Las Vegas Aces delivered a crushing 106-58 defeat to the Phoenix Mercury at Michelob ULTRA Arena, securing the third-largest margin of victory in WNBA history with a staggering 48-point differential. The night also saw a remarkable individual performance from rookie Justine Pissott, who made an unforgettable debut for the Aces.

The Aces' dominant performance on July 11, 2026, was a statement from the start. They established a commanding 29-9 lead by the end of the first quarter, extending it to 57-22 by halftime. The lead continued to grow, reaching 45 points in the third quarter and peaking at 54 points in the final frame before the game concluded. This victory stands as the largest in the Aces franchise's history, further solidifying their formidable reputation in the league.

Las Vegas Aces
Las Vegas Aces Source

Four-time MVP A'ja Wilson led the charge for the Aces, putting up an impressive 21 points and 15 rebounds in just 25 minutes, securing a double-double before halftime. Veteran guard Chelsea Gray also contributed significantly with 15 points and 11 assists, notching a double-double of her own. Cheyenne Parker-Tyus added 15 points and seven rebounds, surpassing 1,000 career defensive rebounds in the process, while NaLyssa Smith chipped in 14 points, showcasing the team's depth and collective strength.

However, it was the stunning debut of 22-year-old rookie Justine Pissott that captured significant attention. Pissott, a second-round draft pick out of Vanderbilt, was signed by the Aces just days prior, on July 10, 2026, after being waived from the Indiana Fever's developmental roster. In barely 10 minutes of action, primarily in the fourth quarter, Pissott scored 19 points by converting an incredible five three-pointers. This performance set a new WNBA record for the most three-pointers made in a player's league debut, immediately sparking discussion and scrutiny regarding the Indiana Fever's decision to waive her.

Aces head coach Becky Hammon praised Pissott's instant impact, stating, "That was quite the debut. I just met (Pissott), but you know I love my shooters and she can shoot that thing. She made some nice basketball reads as well, not just the shooting, so we're really excited to have her as a part of our group." Her words underscored the unexpected yet impactful arrival of the young talent.

Phoenix Mercury
Phoenix Mercury Source

For the Phoenix Mercury, the game was a challenging experience. Monique Akoa Makani led the team with 13 points, and Lexi Held added 11, making them the only Mercury players to reach double figures. Veteran DeWanna Bonner, who achieved a significant career milestone by becoming the third player in WNBA history to surpass 8,000 career points, was held to just two points in the game. The Mercury struggled offensively, shooting a dismal 35 percent from the field, marking their third consecutive loss and dropping their season record to 8-16.

Phoenix Mercury head coach Nate Tibbetts expressed his frustration following the game, reportedly stating, "That was ugly, disappointing, all of the above. We're going to find out a lot about us on Monday (when Phoenix Mercury play Minesotta Lynx), see what kind of response we have. We got to compete, and we did not do that at a high enough level, not even close today."

This lopsided contest carried significant historical weight, serving as a rematch of last season's WNBA Finals, which the Aces swept to claim their third title in four seasons. Earlier in the 2026 season, the Mercury had delivered a significant blow to the Aces, routing them 99-66 in the season opener, a game that coincided with the Aces' ring ceremony, which was viewed by many as a measure of revenge. However, the tables turned dramatically in this latest encounter, with the Aces delivering a historic defeat to the Mercury, who are reportedly navigating a "brutal stretch" of their schedule against top WNBA teams.

The 48-point margin of victory by the Aces trails only the 59-point win by the Minnesota Lynx over Indiana in 2017 and a 53-point margin from the previous year in the WNBA's all-time largest blowouts. The Aces themselves had experienced a significant defeat last year, losing 111-58 to Minnesota, which was then the second-biggest margin in league history. This recent game underscores the unpredictable and often dominant nature of competition at the highest level of women's basketball, leaving the Mercury to regroup and the Aces to celebrate a record-setting night.