The Las Vegas Aces, the team that dominated the WNBA with two consecutive titles, is at a crossroads. After six consecutive winning seasons, including two championships, the team is underperforming in 2025. With a 5-6 record and a streak of four losses in five games, the Aces are struggling to find their rhythm, ranking seventh in the league.
The team ranks ninth in average scoring, offensive and defensive efficiency, and point differential. What’s happening with the Aces?
The absence of three-time MVP A’ja Wilson due to a concussion protocol has been a key factor. In addition, Jewell Loyd, who joined the team in a trade during the offseason, is averaging 11.2 points per game, her lowest average since her rookie season in 2015. Her field goal percentages (35.4%) and free throws (75.0%) are also the worst of her career.
We’re looking for that 40-minute game. It’s like a freaking unicorn.
Becky Hammon, Aces coach
The team prepares to face the Seattle Storm and the Indiana Fever, seeking to reverse their current situation. Is it just a bump in the road or something deeper that could affect their season?El núcleo del campeonato de Las Vegas: Kelsey Plum, Chelsea Gray, Jackie Young y A’ja Wilson, jugaron juntos de 2021 a 2024, ganando el título dos veces.Championship cycles in professional sports are often short, and the Aces’ success could be facing this reality. Factors such as salary caps, player movements, and the arrival of young talent through drafts influence the longevity of successful teams.
The Aces had key draft picks, such as Kelsey Plum, A’ja Wilson, and Jackie Young, who formed an important core. The arrival of Chelsea Gray and the implementation of a modern offensive system under the direction of Becky Hammon propelled the team to win consecutive titles in 2022 and 2023.
Plum’s departure, which was part of a trade that took her to the Los Angeles Sparks, and Candace Parker’s injury have affected the team’s performance. Wilson remains an elite player, but the Aces have relied heavily on her as their main scoring threat.
The Aces are at a crucial moment, needing to reinforce their roster to stay competitive. The lack of a general manager since Natalie Williams’ departure in October adds uncertainty to the team’s future.En el papel, Jewell Loyd reemplazando a Kelsey Plum en la alineación debería haber hecho que Las Vegas fuera aún mejor defensivamente. Ese no ha sido (todavía) el caso.Despite concerns, expectations for Las Vegas were high at the start of the season. Wilson’s injury and his lower offensive performance have impacted the team. Wilson is facing more double-teams, which has increased his assists but decreased his usage rate.
The Aces’ defense has also suffered, allowing opponents to score at a high percentage on two-point shots. Lack of depth in the squad is another problem. The Aces have lost key players from the bench and have not managed to effectively replace their production.
Although the Aces brought in Tiffany Mitchell, Cheyenne Parker-Tyus, and Dana Evans, their contribution has been limited. The poor performance of the bench and the lack of minutes for the second-unit players are factors that complicate the situation.
Coach Becky Hammon has stated that the team’s problems are the result of a lack of discipline and bad habits. However, the construction of the roster could be limiting the solutions. Despite this, there is hope that Wilson will return, Parker-Tyus will come back from her pregnancy, and the players can raise their level of play.Con las Las Vegas Aces luchando esta temporada, la entrenadora Becky Hammon debe encontrar diferentes formas de estrategizar y motivar a su equipo.Wilson’s return will be crucial. The Aces have shown they can win without her, but they need Loyd to reach her best level and the bench to contribute more. The Aces have time to improve, and still project to be a playoff team.
