Las Vegas Aces: Established Dynasty! 3rd WNBA Title in 4 Years

The Aces Crown Themselves as the WNBA Dynasty by Winning Their Third Title

In a display of absolute dominance, the Las Vegas Aces defeated the Phoenix Mercury with a score of 97-86, securing their third WNBA championship in four years. This triumph solidifies the Aces as the reigning dynasty in the league. The Aces completed a perfect sweep in the final, winning all four games of the series. This finals format, best-of-seven, was the first of its kind in WNBA history. Aces star and four-time league MVP A’ja Wilson led the way in Game 4, finishing with 31 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 blocks. Her performance earned her the Finals MVP award, averaging 28.5 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 2 blocks throughout the series.

“She’s on the Everest by herself,” Aces coach Becky Hammon said, referring to Wilson. “There’s nobody around.”

Becky Hammon

Wilson, in a gesture of joy and celebration, brought a pink tambourine to the post-game press conference, adding a touch of humor to her answers. “This is the symbol of the joy we have at this moment,” she said. “And I am grateful.” 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 Aces’ path to the title was not easy. After a complicated start to the season, the team achieved a 16-game winning streak that secured them the second seed in the postseason. They overcame challenging series before dominating the Finals.

“I love being their coach. I love being their friend. Sometimes I push them a little, but I am invested in their greatness,” said Hammon, who took over as Aces coach in 2022 and has a 10-2 record in the WNBA Finals.

Becky Hammon

The Aces, after a hesitant start to the season, showed their resilience and determination. The team’s point guard, Chelsea Gray, expressed her pride in the way the team stood firm and trusted the process.

The Aces recovered from a difficult start to achieve a dominant run in the first best-of-seven WNBA Finals in league history. “This is different because it was different,” said coach Becky Hammon.While the Aces were consolidating, the Phoenix Mercury reached the final with great momentum, but were surpassed. The Aces’ victory in Game 3, thanks to a winning shot by Wilson in the last second, marked a turning point. In Game 4, the Aces were never behind, reaching a 16-point lead at halftime. The ejection of Phoenix coach Nate Tibbetts in the third quarter did not prevent the Aces’ victory, who celebrated their third title away from home. Gray and Jackie Young contributed 18 points each, while Jewell Loyd and Dana Evans added 22 points off the bench. Loyd, who won two titles with the Seattle Storm, expressed her satisfaction at having found her place on the team. With Wilson and Young still at their best, the Aces have the potential to join the exclusive group of teams with four WNBA titles. However, the team’s future will depend on free agency and collective bargaining negotiations. The off-court issues in the league were evident when fans booed Commissioner Cathy Engelbert while she presented the championship trophy and Finals MVP award to Wilson. Gray commented that the players deserve to be treated with respect. The WNBA free agency and labor negotiations will unfold in the coming months. In the meantime, the Aces can reflect on their achievements this season.

“Good things happen to the right people,” Wilson said.

A’ja Wilson