A'ja Wilson Faces Backlash After Preseason Foul Leaves Dallas Star Alanna Smith Bloodied

Key facts

• A'ja Wilson returned from illness to play in her first preseason game for the Las Vegas Aces.
• Wilson scored 18 points and grabbed 5 rebounds in the game against the Dallas Wings.
• Alanna Smith suffered a facial injury after an elbow from Wilson during a steal attempt.
• The foul was initially called common, then upgraded to flagrant after video review.
• Smith had 12 points on 5-of-6 shooting and 7 rebounds in 12 minutes before exiting.
• Wilson and Smith shared the Defensive Player of the Year award for the first time in WNBA history.
• The Aces and Wings are scheduled to meet three times during the regular season.

A Preseason Clash Turns Physical

A'ja Wilson, the reigning WNBA MVP, made her preseason debut for the Las Vegas Aces after missing a game in Japan due to illness, but her return was marred by a controversial foul that left Dallas Wings forward Alanna Smith bloodied and forced from the court. The incident occurred late in the first half when Wilson, bringing the ball up the floor, swung her elbow into Smith's face as Smith attempted a steal. Smith immediately fell to the ground, blood dripping from her mouth, and called for medical attention. The officials reviewed the play and upgraded the foul from a common to a flagrant, but the damage was done. Smith was ruled out for the remainder of the game, though she later returned to the bench with an ice pack on her face, smiling and talking with teammate Jessica Shepherd. The injury raised concerns given Smith's recent quad injury, which had initially listed her as questionable for the game.

Fan Outrage and Accusations of Dirty Play

The foul drew immediate backlash from fans, who took to social media to criticize Wilson's physicality in a preseason game where stakes are minimal. "Dirty play by the MVP," one fan wrote, while another urged Wilson to "relax damn" after Smith lost a tooth. The criticism was amplified by Wilson's status as the reigning MVP and two-time champion, with some fans labeling her a "thug" for the play. The incident was not Wilson's only physical moment of the game. Earlier, she had collided with Jessica Shepherd during a layup attempt, resulting in a foul on Wilson. The accumulation of hard fouls led to a broader debate about the appropriate level of intensity in preseason games, where referees have been calling more fouls to keep physicality in check.

A Rivalry Brewing Between Co-Defensive Players of the Year

The clash between Wilson and Smith carries added significance because the two players share the Defensive Player of the Year award for the 2024 season, the first time in WNBA history the honor was split. Smith, as the Wings' best defender, had been guarding Wilson effectively, contributing 12 points on 5-of-6 shooting and a team-high 7 rebounds in just 12 minutes before the injury. The foul has set the stage for a heated rivalry, with the teams scheduled to face each other three times during the regular season. Fans and analysts alike are watching to see how Smith responds when she returns to the court. "Smith will look to respond to this foul by clamping the best player in the league," one observer noted, highlighting the personal stakes for both players.

Wilson's Defensive Stance on Intensity

Despite the backlash, Wilson's approach to the game reflects her competitive nature. Coach Becky Hammon had previously stated that Wilson would play if it were a playoff series, underscoring the star's commitment to intensity regardless of the calendar. Wilson's physical style has been a hallmark of her game, contributing to her three MVP awards and two championships with the Aces. However, the preseason context has drawn criticism. With the season yet to begin, teams typically focus on gelling and avoiding injuries. Wilson's aggressive play, while consistent with her reputation, has raised questions about whether such intensity is appropriate in exhibition games where the stakes are low.

Smith's Injury History and the Wings' Caution

Smith entered the game with a quad injury that had made her questionable to play, but she was cleared and performed well before the incident. Her injury history makes managing her minutes a priority for the Wings, who have avoided serious preseason injuries so far. Coach Fernandez has been cautious with Smith's workload, but the need for her to build chemistry with new teammates necessitated her playing time. The elbow to the face, while not appearing to cause structural damage based on Smith's cheerful return to the bench, has nonetheless heightened concerns about player safety in preseason games. The WNBA has emphasized reducing physicality in exhibition matches, but Wilson's play suggests a disconnect between league policy and player mentality.

What Comes Next for Wilson and the Aces

The incident adds a layer of tension to the upcoming regular-season meetings between the Aces and Wings. Wilson, who led the league in scoring last season with a record 1,021 points and an average of 26.9 points per game, will face scrutiny over her physical play. The Aces, coming off a semifinal loss to the New York Liberty after two consecutive championships, are under pressure to reclaim the title. For Smith, the focus will be on recovery and preparation for the season. The Wings will need her defensive prowess against Wilson, and the rivalry promises to be one of the most compelling storylines of the 2025 campaign. As one fan put it, "this clash between Smith and Wilson may just be the first chapter of a heated rivalry."

The bottom line

• A'ja Wilson's flagrant foul on Alanna Smith in a preseason game has sparked accusations of dirty play and reignited debate about physicality in exhibition matches.
• Wilson and Smith are co-Defensive Players of the Year, adding personal rivalry to the incident.
• Smith was injured after a strong performance, raising concerns about her injury history and the Wings' cautious management of her minutes.
• The Aces and Wings will meet three times in the regular season, setting the stage for potential retaliation and heightened competition.
• Wilson's intensity, while a key to her success, may face increased scrutiny as the season begins.