Las Vegas Aces' success linked to Kierstan Bell's playing time in starting lineup

Las Vegas Aces forward Kierstan Bell attempts a shot during the game versus the Dallas Wings on 8-17-25. (Photo: David Becker/NBAE via Getty Images)

LAS VEGAS, Nevada - After several years of achieving championships and receiving significant fanfare, yet experiencing limited playing time, Kierstan Bell is now demonstrating the skills that earned her the title of three-time Ms. Ohio Basketball in her home state of Ohio.

The Aces are presently enjoying a seven-game winning streak, with Bell having started in eight games over a ten-game period, achieving a record of 9-1. This marks the highest number of games she has started since her rookie season in 2022, during which she made only one start and had no starts in the 2023 and 2024 seasons. Nevertheless, she has made contributions throughout this time. 

In her most recent game against the Dallas Wings, she recorded an impressive statistical performance alongside a solid team victory, scoring 18 points, securing six rebounds, one assist, and making one steal during 28 minutes of play, according to ESPN. 

Kierstan Bell celebrates with teammates A'ja Wilson (22) and Nalyssa Smith (3) during a recent game versus the Dallas Wings on 8-17-2025. (Photo: Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

That statistical performance represents a season high for the two-time WNBA champion, even though she scored 19 points on July 27 against Dallas in 21 minutes of play. 

Numerous outlets credit her recent series of starts to the injuries and off-season departures of Kelsey Plum, Kate Martin, Tiffany Hayes, and Alysha Clark from a formidable roster that secured consecutive WNBA championships in 2022 and 2023. 

As the 2025 season approaches its conclusion, she and her team are performing at their best, with only nine games remaining in the season and a favorable standing in the playoff race. 

Bell completed her high school basketball career at Canton McKinley High School before making a commitment to Ohio State University, subsequently transferring and concluding her collegiate journey at Florida Gulf Coast University under the leadership of then-coach Karl Smesko. 

She was the Becky Hammon Mid-Major Player of the Year at FGCU.