!Las Vegas Aces, consolidated dynasty! 3rd WNBA title in 4 years

Las Vegas Aces were crowned WNBA champions for the third time in four years, solidifying their dominance in the league after defeating the Phoenix Mercury with a final score of 97-86. The Aces achieved a perfect sweep in the Finals, the first in WNBA history in a seven-game format.

A’ja Wilson: The Undisputed Star

A’ja Wilson, the Aces superstar and four-time league MVP, led the way in Game 4, accumulating 31 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 blocks, earning her the Finals MVP award. Across the series, she averaged 28.5 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 2 blocks.

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

Becky Hammon, Aces Coach

Wilson, with a pink tambourine at the post-match press conference, added a touch of humor and emphasized the joy of the moment.

This is the symbol of the joy we have now. And I am grateful.

A’ja Wilson

A Legacy in Construction

Coach Becky Hammon, who played in the WNBA from 1999 to 2014, highlighted that the Aces are already one of the biggest 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

The Aces’ season wasn’t easy. After a complicated start, with a 53-point loss, the team rallied with a 16-game winning streak, securing second place in the playoffs and overcoming challenging series before dominating the Finals.

I love being their coach. I love being their friend. Sometimes I push them to their displeasure a bit, but I am invested in their greatness.

Becky Hammon

At the beginning of the season, the team wasn’t performing as expected. However, the team’s core believed in the process and achieved the championship.

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

Chelsea Gray

The Mercury, who reached the Finals with great momentum, saw the Aces snatch it away. The Aces won the first game narrowly, the second comfortably, and the third thanks to a game-winning basket by Wilson in the last second. In the fourth game, the Aces were never behind on the scoreboard. Despite the ejection of Phoenix coach Nate Tibbetts in the third quarter, and the subsequent reaction from the Mercury, the Aces maintained their lead and celebrated their third title away from home. Gray and Jackie Young each contributed 18 points, while Jewell Loyd and Dana Evans added 22 points off the bench.

I ended up in the promised land.

Jewell Loyd

With Wilson and Young still at their best, the Aces aspire to join the select group of franchises with four WNBA titles. Uncertainty surrounds the league’s upcoming free agency and the new collective bargaining agreement. The off-court issues generated boos towards commissioner Cathy Engelbert during the trophy presentation ceremony.

We have great players. You need to treat them like that.

Chelsea Gray

Meanwhile, the Aces can reflect on what they have achieved this season.

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

A’ja Wilson