Las Vegas Aces grapple with Jewell Loyd slump amid narrow defeat to Minnesota Lynx

Veteran guard Jewell Loyd is in the worst statistical slump of her WNBA career, averaging just 6.3 points on 32.4% shooting and posting a –3.0 net rating when on the court. The decline has left the Las Vegas Aces vulnerable, as they rely heavily on bench spark Chennedy Carter to offset Loyd’s under‑performance.

On Saturday the Aces beat the Minnesota Lynx 100‑97, but the win came only after a late surge by rookie Olivia Miles, who recorded a career‑high 29 points, including 12 in the fourth quarter. Miles erased a 15‑point first‑half deficit and briefly gave the Lynx a lead before the Aces recovered with free throws from Loyd and clutch shooting by A’ja Wilson and Chelsea Gray.