Unfortunately for the Aces, it wasn’t enough to secure a win. Wilson was the only player on the team to finish with more than 17 points, and Kelsey Plum struggled to fill her typical secondary scoring role, scoring eight points on 3 of 10 shooting from the field.

Wilson’s free throw with 46 seconds left put Vegas ahead 90-89, but Dallas scored the final four points on free throws by Arike Ogunbowale and Satou Sabally. Wilson missed a 3-pointer at the buzzer that would have sent the game into overtime had she scored.

Yet for the dominant big player it was largely the same.

She is well on her way to a third MVP award, averaging 26.6 points, 11.9 rebounds, 2.7 blocks, 2.3 assists and 2.0 steals early in the game while connecting on 51.2 percent of her shots and 37.2 percent from distance.

Her presence is a big reason why the Aces have won back-to-back championships and will likely be in contention for a third straight title once the playoffs begin, despite sitting fifth in the WNBA standings at 18-12.

If Wilson plays like he did on Tuesday, Las Vegas will be a challenge for any team regardless of seeding.