Las Vegas Aces: From Humiliation to Redemption in the WNBA
The Las Vegas Aces, after suffering a historic defeat, demonstrated their resilience on the court. After a humiliating 53-point loss to the Minnesota Lynx, the team faced the Golden State Valkyries seeking to regain their pride. The reaction was immediate and forceful.The Aces tied a franchise record with 18 three-pointers and defeated the Valkyries by 24 points, marking the biggest comeback in consecutive games in WNBA history, according to compiled data.“We channel every ounce of our energy into that,” Chelsea Gray stated.
Chelsea Gray
After a season start with ups and downs, including a three-game losing streak, the Aces achieved an impressive recovery. They have won seven consecutive games and are positioned in fourth place in the WNBA standings, tied with the Phoenix Mercury. A’ja Wilson, the league’s reigning MVP, has been fundamental in this streak, averaging 26.1 points and 13.3 rebounds. She has scored at least 30 points in three of the last four games.“When things aren’t going well, you can question things that maybe you thought you were very strong at,” said Las Vegas coach Becky Hammon. “When things aren’t going well, you have to go back to the fundamentals. What is the basic problem here?”
Becky Hammon
Since the loss to the Lynx, Las Vegas’ defense has been among the best in the league, and the team has become the second-best in rebounds. In addition, the offense has led the league in offensive rating for the last two weeks. The performance of Kelsey Plum and the incorporation of new players like Jewell Loyd have modified the team’s dynamics. The adaptation process took time, but communication and patience were key to success.“This has helped us to come together so that we can all hold each other accountable,” Wilson said.
A’ja Wilson
Jewell Loyd, after a complicated start, accepted a role from the bench, which allowed her to increase her performance. Despite playing fewer minutes, Loyd is averaging 14.6 points in 25 minutes as a substitute.“Our offense and defense are so fluid that we had to take time to learn and understand new habits,” Gray said. “It’s only when you learn those habits that you can start to form a team.”
Chelsea Gray
After the defeat against Minnesota, Wilson sent a message to her teammates, urging them to leave the game behind, but not to forget the feelings. Wilson has taken on a more vocal leadership role, crucial for the team.“We know how to weather the storms at this point. At first, we couldn’t accomplish that. We didn’t understand that we have a completely new group, from top to bottom,” Wilson said. “That takes time and requires giving ourselves a lot of grace and a lot of communication.”
A’ja Wilson
Wilson, who has built her leadership through her game, has proven to be an unstoppable force on the court. Recently, she became the first player in WNBA history to record a 30-point, 20-rebound game. This season she averages 22.3 points, 10.0 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 2.1 blocks, and 1.6 steals. Wilson has learned to let the game flow to her.“It’s easy to lead when you’re winning. Winning disguises a lot of different things,” Wilson said. “But when you’re in the trenches and things aren’t going well, when it seems like everyone has something to say about this Aces team, how do you lead that? How do you get all these minds to agree to stay calm through the noise?”
A’ja Wilson
According to Hammon, Wilson’s growth in her game and leadership has kept the Aces’ locker room together.“I told myself after the All-Star break to just let the game come to me,” Wilson said after a win against Phoenix on Friday. “It’s going to be what it’s going to be. If I try to press it or force it because I want this win so bad for my team, it’s like forcing a fart. All you get is shit.”
A’ja Wilson
Trust and consistency have enabled the Aces to overcome challenges. With nine games remaining in the regular season, they seek to secure home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs, which begin on September 14.“Many times it can fall apart when there are difficult moments after difficult moments or you are so close and you lose another one. It’s easy to lose the locker room, not just with me, but also among them,” Hammon said. “They haven’t. They have stood firm. My leaders have led when it’s difficult and complicated.”
Becky Hammon
“This is what it takes to win championships. You have to do it right nine out of 10 times, 10 out of 10 times,” Hammon said. “Just keep demanding that greatness.”
Becky Hammon
