Japan Women’s Basketball Falls Just Short Against WNBA Champions Aces, Yamamoto Mai Explodes for 24 Points
April 27, 2026 • Las Vegas, Nevada
LAS VEGAS — The Japanese women’s national basketball team pushed the defending WNBA champion Las Vegas Aces to the brink Sunday night in a high-scoring exhibition at Michelob ULTRA Arena, but fell 92-85 in a game that showcased both the progress and growing pains of head coach Corey Gaines’ fresh system. Guard Yamamoto Mai stole the spotlight with a career-high 24 points, including seven three-pointers, as Japan nearly pulled off the upset in front of 6,821 fans.
What Happened: A Game of Runs
The Aces, led by reigning WNBA MVP A’ja Wilson (22 points, 10 rebounds), jumped out to an early 12-point lead in the first quarter, but Japan responded with a 19-4 run midway through the second period to take a brief 38-36 advantage. Yamamoto hit three consecutive threes during that stretch, each one answered by a roar from the crowd — a mix of Japanese expats and Aces faithful who had turned out for the rare Sunday night exhibition.
The back-and-forth continued into the third quarter, with neither team able to pull away. Japan’s defense forced 12 Aces turnovers in the first half, but Las Vegas adjusted by feeding Wilson in the post and exploiting mismatches on the perimeter. A 10-0 Aces run to open the fourth quarter proved decisive, as Japan struggled to contain Chelsea Gray (18 points, 7 assists) and Kelsey Plum (16 points) in transition.
“We had our chances,” Yamamoto said postgame, still in her warmup jacket. “We just couldn’t get the stops when it mattered most. But I think we showed One can compete with the best in the world.”
Yamamoto’s Breakout Performance
The 26-year-old guard, who plays professionally for the Toyota Antelopes in Japan’s WJBL, was the story of the night. Her seven three-pointers tied the Japanese national team record for threes in a game, previously held by Rui Machida (2019). Yamamoto’s shooting display — 7-of-12 from beyond the arc — came against one of the WNBA’s best perimeter defenses, which ranked first in three-point defense last season (30.2% allowed).
“She was incredible,” Gaines told reporters after the game. “We’ve been working on spacing and shot selection, and Mai showed exactly what we want from our guards. She reads the defense well and doesn’t force anything.”
Yamamoto’s performance wasn’t just about scoring. She also dished out five assists and grabbed four rebounds, showcasing the all-around game that has made her a rising star in Asian basketball. Her 24 points accounted for 28% of Japan’s total offense, the highest percentage by a Japanese player in a game against WNBA competition since Ramū Tokashiki’s 26-point outing in 2018.
Tactical Takeaways for Japan
For Gaines, who took over as head coach in October 2025 after leading the Phoenix Mercury to the 2024 WNBA title, the game was a valuable test ahead of the 2026 FIBA Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournaments. Japan entered the game ranked No. 8 in the world, but the Aces exposed two key areas for improvement:
- Interior Defense: Wilson dominated early, scoring 14 of her 22 points in the paint. Japan’s starting center, Himawari Akaho (12 points, 8 rebounds), fouled out in just 18 minutes, forcing Gaines to rely on smaller lineups that struggled to protect the rim.
- Fourth-Quarter Execution: Japan was outscored 28-19 in the final period, a trend Gaines called “unacceptable” in the postgame press conference. “We have to learn how to close games,” he said. “That’s a championship-level skill, and we’re not there yet.”
The game also highlighted Japan’s depth issues. Whereas Yamamoto and Akaho led the way, the bench combined for just 12 points, with no player scoring more than four. In contrast, Las Vegas’ reserves outscored Japan’s 28-12, led by Dearica Hamby’s 10 points off the bench.
Why This Game Matters
This exhibition was the first of a three-game U.S. Tour for Japan, designed to prepare the team for the Olympic qualifiers in February 2027. The tour continues Wednesday against the Seattle Storm (7:30 p.m. PT / 02:30 UTC) and concludes Saturday against the New York Liberty (3:00 p.m. ET / 19:00 UTC). Both games will be streamed live on WNBA League Pass.
The stakes are high. Japan failed to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics after finishing fourth at the 2023 FIBA Women’s Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament. With the 2028 Olympics set for Los Angeles, the Japanese Basketball Association has made it clear that a return to the Games is the top priority. Gaines, who signed a three-year contract through 2028, has emphasized “cultural change” and “defensive identity” as key pillars of his rebuild.
“We’re not just trying to qualify,” Gaines said after the Aces game. “We want to be a team that can medal. That means we have to beat the best in the world, and tonight was a step in that direction.”
Key Moments That Decided the Game
Here are the sequences that swung the momentum:
| Time (Q4) | Play | Score | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9:42 | Chelsea Gray steals Yamamoto’s pass and converts a fast-break layup | 72-65 (Aces) | Japan’s first turnover of the quarter led to an 8-0 Aces run |
| 6:18 | Yamamoto hits her sixth three-pointer to cut the deficit to 78-75 | 78-75 (Aces) | Japan’s last lead change opportunity |
| 2:34 | A’ja Wilson draws a charge on Himawari Akaho; Akaho fouls out | 84-77 (Aces) | Japan’s interior defense collapsed without Akaho |
| 0:45 | Kelsey Plum hits a step-back three over Rui Machida | 90-81 (Aces) | Sealed the game for Las Vegas |
What’s Next for Japan
The team will travel to Seattle on Tuesday for a two-day training camp before facing the Storm on Wednesday. Gaines has indicated he will experiment with different starting lineups, particularly at the center position, where 19-year-old prospect Saki Hayashi could see increased minutes.
“We learned a lot tonight,” Yamamoto said. “The Aces are the best team in the world, and we pushed them. Now we have to take what we learned and get better.”
Key Takeaways
- Yamamoto Mai’s star turn: 24 points, 7 three-pointers, and a national team record-tying performance against WNBA champions.
- Defensive struggles: Japan allowed 28 points in the paint in the first half and fouled out their starting center in the fourth quarter.
- Bench production: Japan’s reserves scored just 12 points, compared to 28 for Las Vegas.
- Gaines’ message: “We have to learn how to close games” — a focus for the remaining two games of the U.S. Tour.
- Olympic stakes: Japan’s performance in these exhibitions will shape their preparation for the 2027 Olympic qualifiers.
How to Follow Japan’s U.S. Tour
Fans can catch the remaining games live on WNBA League Pass:
- Wednesday, April 29: Japan vs. Seattle Storm (7:30 p.m. PT / 02:30 UTC)
- Saturday, May 2: Japan vs. New York Liberty (3:00 p.m. ET / 19:00 UTC)
For official updates, follow the Japan Basketball Association and @JAPANBASKETBALL on X.
What did you think of Japan’s performance? Could Yamamoto Mai be the breakout star of the 2027 Olympic qualifiers? Share your thoughts in the comments below and don’t forget to follow Archysport for more global basketball coverage.
