Yamamoto's First Steps in the WNBA
Mai Yamamoto made her long‑awaited WNBA debut on July 23, stepping onto the court for the Las Vegas Aces in a rest‑of‑season appearance against the Portland Fire. The Japanese point guard, who had signed just days earlier, received a standing ovation the moment she entered the game, a testament to the excitement she generated among fans and teammates alike.
Coach Becky Hammon had indicated that the Aces needed extra depth at point guard heading into the world championships, a need that prompted the team to bring Yamamoto aboard on July 18. After only a single practice session following the All‑Star break, Yamamoto logged three minutes, dishing a crisp pass that set up Stephanie Talbot’s three‑pointer for Jewell Loyd. Though her statistical line was modest, the moment highlighted her readiness to contribute whenever called upon.
Yamamoto’s résumé stretches far beyond the NBA’s western conference. A veteran of seven senior‑level competitions for Japan, she helped the national team capture gold at the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup and silver in 2023, while also earning a silver medal at the 2018 FIBA 3×3 World Cup and a gold in 2019. In the domestic league, she has been a cornerstone for the Toyota Antelopes, securing back‑to‑back championships in 2021 and 2022 and honing a shooting repertoire that includes 21 three‑pointers in a single preseason contest.
Teammate Dana Evans has praised Yamamoto’s basketball IQ, noting that the rookie quickly grasps complex concepts and executes them with precision. Evans described her as a “smart player who learns quickly,” a sentiment echoed by Hammon, who highlighted Yamamoto’s high IQ and professionalism as assets for the Aces’ upcoming road stretch.
The Aces are currently on a five‑game road trip that began with a victory over the Liberty, and Yamamoto is slated to see action against the Chicago Sky on July 27. Having already faced the Portland Fire, she now prepares for the next challenge while navigating the intense Las Vegas heat, which she described as unusually dry and scorching.