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 after defeating the Phoenix Mercury with a score of 97-86. This triumph, achieved on Friday night, solidifies their dominance in the league and positions them as a reigning dynasty. The Aces completed a sweep in the final series, the first in WNBA history to be played in a best-of-seven format.

A’ja Wilson, Finals MVP

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

You have your Mount Rushmore; she is alone on Everest. There is no one around.

Becky Hammon, Aces coach

Wilson celebrated the victory with a pink tambourine, adding a touch of humor and emphasis to his answers in the post-match press conference.

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

A’ja Wilson

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.

I think the evolution of the game… these players are bigger, stronger, faster, and more skilled. The [past] dynasties laid the foundation and showed how to win, and they really gave a lot to the WNBA in terms of history. The skill set and the level these girls are at, 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’ path to the championship was not easy. After a 53-point loss, the team went on a 16-game winning streak to secure the second seed in the playoffs and overcome challenging series before dominating the Finals.

I love being their coach. I love being their friend. Sometimes I push them to their dislike a little, but I am invested in their greatness. This hits different because it was different. There was probably a lot more adversity than any of us anticipated. We are all human, and we are humans who wanted to do well and do well together.

Becky Hammon

During the first two and a half months of the season, the Aces struggled to find their rhythm. They lost their first game by 14 points, and stayed around .500 during June and July.

Being here now [compared to] where we were… there was a lot of doubt [but not] in that locker room. We had confidence in each other. I’m very proud of how we just stayed the course and trusted the process the whole time.

Chelsea Gray, Aces guard

While the Aces struggled to find their form, the Minnesota Lynx led the league for much of the season. Phoenix Mercury reached the final with good momentum, but the Aces snatched it away. Las Vegas managed a narrow victory in Game 1, won comfortably in Game 2, and took Game 3 with a game-winning basket by Wilson in the last second. Phoenix coach Nate Tibbetts was ejected in the third quarter. With the assistance of coach and former WNBA player Kristi Toliver, the Mercury rallied in the final quarter, but the Aces held firm and celebrated their third title away from home. Gray and Jackie Young each scored 18 points and combined for 12 assists, while Jewell Loyd and Dana Evans added 22 points off the bench.

I was given it in writing in exile. But I ended up in the promised land.

Jewell Loyd

With Wilson and Young still at their best, the Aces should remain contenders to join that exclusive group of teams with multiple titles. However, free agency and collective bargaining agreement (CBA) negotiations could influence the team’s future. Off-court issues in the league generated boos towards commissioner Cathy Engelbert during the trophy presentation ceremony.

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

Chelsea Gray

The WNBA’s labor issues and the free agency movement will unfold in the coming months, while the Aces reflect on their achievements this season.

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

A’ja Wilson