Las Vegas Aces: End of a Golden Era?
Las Vegas Aces, the team that dominated the WNBA with two consecutive titles, faces a complicated moment in the 2025 season. After six consecutive seasons with a winning record, the team finds itself in an unexpected situation, struggling to maintain the level that led them to the top. With a 5-6 record, the Aces have lost four of their last five games and are in seventh place in the league. Their offensive and defensive numbers, as well as their points average, reflect a performance below expectations. The team ranks ninth in the WNBA in scoring average, offensive and defensive rating, and net rating. The absence of three-time MVP A’ja Wilson due to a concussion protocol has significantly impacted the team. 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 (35.4) and free throw (75.0) percentages are also the worst of her career.The question is clear: Is this just a temporary slump or something deeper that could affect the entire season? The Aces are preparing to receive the Seattle Storm and Indiana Fever, and they are desperately seeking to reverse this situation.We’re looking for that 40-minute game. It’s like a damn unicorn.
Becky Hammon, Aces coach
The Closing of a Victorious Stage
In professional sports, dynasties usually have a limited lifespan. The salary cap, player movement, and the arrival of young talent through the draft are factors that influence this cycle. The Aces are no exception. The team had three consecutive number 1 picks: Kelsey Plum (2017), A’ja Wilson (2018), and Jackie Young (2019). These players formed the base of the team for five years, although Plum did not play in 2020 due to an Achilles tendon injury. With Dan Padover as general manager and Bill Laimbeer as coach, Chelsea Gray joined in 2021, and Hammon arrived in 2022, implementing a modern offense that led the Aces to win two consecutive titles in 2022 and 2023. The departure of Kelsey Plum, who was part of a trade that took her to the Los Angeles Sparks, and the arrival of Jewell Loyd, 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 arrival of Candace Parker in 2023 did not have the expected impact due to an injury that kept her out of action and subsequently announced her retirement.
Expectations vs. Reality
Despite the concerns, expectations for the Aces were high at the start of the season. Wilson’s injury has been a significant factor, but even before her departure, she wasn’t playing at the offensive level expected of a three-time MVP. Her two-point shooting percentage has decreased, and she faces more defensive double-teams. The Aces’ defensive collapse is even more surprising. Opponents are scoring 51% of their 2-point attempts against Las Vegas, the third-worst in the WNBA. In addition, the lack of bench depth is affecting the team. Last season, Tiffany Hayes, named Sixth Player of the Year, helped disguise some of the team’s weaknesses. This year, the team is in the penultimate place in scoring from the bench. Although attempts were made to improve the depth in the offseason, the situation has not improved. The team added Tiffany Mitchell, Cheyenne Parker-Tyus, and Dana Evans, and drafted Aaliyah Nye. However, Parker-Tyus is on maternity leave, and Mitchell, Evans, and Nye have contributed few points. The lack of production from the bench is an obvious problem.A Matter of Mindset?Coach Becky Hammon has pointed out the lack of discipline and bad habits as recurring problems. However, the team’s problems, largely due to the construction of the roster, may not be entirely solvable. Wilson’s return is expected, and it is hoped that Loyd will reach her best level and that the bench will contribute more.
What’s Next for the Aces?
Wilson’s return will be fundamental. After the Aces dominated the league in 2022 and 2023, other teams are eager to compete. Hammon will have to motivate her team and find new strategies. The Aces need Loyd to perform at her best and for the bench to contribute more. Despite the challenges, Las Vegas has time to improve and is still projected as a playoff team.
