Las Vegas Aces: Dynasty Solidified with Their Third WNBA Title!

The Las Vegas Aces were crowned WNBA champions for the third time in four years! In a dominant display, the team defeated the Phoenix Mercury with a score of 97-86 on Friday night, solidifying their position as the reigning dynasty of the league. The Aces swept the Mercury in four games, marking the first best-of-seven WNBA Finals in league history.

A’ja Wilson, the undisputed star

A’ja Wilson, the Aces superstar and four-time league MVP, led the way in the fourth game, culminating with 31 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 blocks, earning her the Finals MVP award. Her performance during the finals was exceptional, averaging 28.5 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 2 blocks.

She is alone on Everest. There is no one around.

Becky Hammon, coach of the Aces

Wilson, with a touch of humor and joy, brought a pink tambourine to the post-game press conference, emphasizing the team’s happiness. Coach Becky Hammon, who played in the WNBA from 1999 to 2014, considers the Aces one of the greatest franchises in the league.

The skill level of these players, for me, is not comparable. It’s a natural evolution. That’s the sign of any great league; it doesn’t stay the same.

Becky Hammon, Aces coach

The Aces’ path to the championship was not easy. After a difficult start to the season, including a 53-point loss, the team achieved a 16-game winning streak that secured them the second spot in the playoffs. They overcame challenging series before dominating the finals, proving their elite status.

I love being their coach. I love being their friend. Sometimes I push them until they don’t like it a little, but I am invested in their greatness.

Becky Hammon, Aces coach

In the first two and a half months of the season, the Aces struggled to find their rhythm. However, with confidence and teamwork, they managed to overcome adversity.

We had trust in each other. I’m very proud of how we stayed the course and trusted the process the whole time.

Chelsea Gray, Aces guard

While the Aces were focused on their game, the Phoenix Mercury showed a great performance, but the Aces prevailed. The Las Vegas team secured a close victory in the first game, and then dominated the following ones. In the fourth game, the Aces never fell behind, leading by 16 points at halftime. Phoenix coach Nate Tibbetts was ejected in the third quarter. Despite a comeback attempt by the Mercury in the final quarter, the Aces held their lead, celebrating their third title away from home. Chelsea Gray and Jackie Young each contributed 18 points, while Jewell Loyd and Dana Evans scored 22 points off the bench.

I ended up in the promised land.

Jewell Loyd, Aces player

With Wilson and Young, both former No. 1 draft picks, still in their prime, the Aces have the potential to join a select group of teams with four WNBA titles. However, the team’s future will depend on the players’ decisions in the upcoming offseason. Off-court issues for the league led to boos towards commissioner Cathy Engelbert during the trophy presentation. Gray commented that the players deserve to be treated with respect. While the WNBA faces labor and free agency challenges, the Aces can reflect on their successful season.

Good things happen to the right people. And that’s what you see in [our] locker room today.

A’ja Wilson, Aces player