The Las Vegas Aces were crowned WNBA champions for the third time in four years! The team demonstrated their dominance by defeating the Phoenix Mercury with a final score of 97-86 in an exciting match. This victory not only secures them the title, but also consolidates them as the reigning dynasty of the league. The Aces completed a four-game sweep against the Mercury in the Finals, a historic milestone for the WNBA.
A’ja Wilson: The Shining Star
The Aces superstar, A’ja Wilson, was the key figure in Game 4, culminating with 31 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 blocks. Her performance earned her the Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP) award, averaging 28.5 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 2 blocks during the series. “She is alone on Everest,” Aces coach Becky Hammon said, referring to Wilson. “There’s nobody around.” Wilson celebrated the victory with joy, bringing a pink tambourine to the press conference and sharing his gratitude.A Path with Challenges
Coach Hammon, who played in the WNBA between 1999 and 2014, highlighted that the Aces are already one of the biggest franchises in the league.The Aces’ season was not an easy road. After a 53-point loss, the team achieved a 16-game winning streak, securing the second spot in the playoffs and overcoming challenging series to reach the Finals.“The skill level of these players is unmatched. It’s a natural evolution. That’s the sign of a great league; it doesn’t stay the same,” Hammon added.
Becky Hammon
Chelsea Gray, the point guard, also expressed her pride in the team’s perseverance.“I love being their coach. I love being their friend. Sometimes I push them until they don’t like it a little, but I’m invested in their greatness,” Hammon said.
Becky Hammon
“We had confidence in ourselves. I am very proud of how we stayed the course and trusted the process the whole time,” Gray stated.
Chelsea Gray
The image shows the Aces celebrating their victory in the Finals.
While the Aces were getting stronger, the Mercury reached the Finals with momentum. The Aces prevailed in Game 1 and then dominated in the following games, including a decisive three-pointer by Wilson in Game 3. In Game 4, the Aces led from the start, with a 16-point lead at halftime. Despite the ejection of Phoenix coach Nate Tibbetts, and the Mercury’s reaction in the final quarter, the Aces maintained their lead and secured their third title. Gray and Jackie Young contributed 18 points each, while Jewell Loyd and Dana Evans added important points off the bench. 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. The league’s off-field issues led to boos directed at commissioner Cathy Engelbert during the trophy presentation ceremony. Gray commented that the players deserve to be treated with respect. The Aces’ season was a testament to perseverance and success. Wilson summed up the team’s spirit with these words: “Good things happen to the right people.”
