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Image Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
Las Vegas surged from a midseason collapse to the No. 2 seed
Image Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
A little over a month ago, the Las Vegas Aces sat at 14-14 in the standings, raising doubts about whether they would even make the WNBA Playoffs. A crushing 111-58 loss to the Minnesota Lynx in early August looked like the breaking point.
That defeat, however, turned into the moment that changed their entire season.
After the blowout, A’ja Wilson delivered a blunt message to her teammates: “If you weren’t embarrassed from yesterday, then don’t come into this gym. You’re not needed or wanted here.” Her words sparked a turnaround, and the Aces have not lost since.
Now on a 16-game winning streak, Las Vegas Aces clinched the No. 2 seed for the WNBA Playoffs, entering as one of the most dangerous teams in the bracket.
A’ja Wilson Leads Aces Into WNBA Playoffs
The Aces’ resurgence is built on balance, but A’ja Wilson has been the driving force. Averaging a league-high 23.4 points per game, she has delivered MVP-caliber numbers all season. During the 16-game streak, she led the team in scoring 12 times, including a run of three straight games with 30 or more points.
Wilson is supported by Jewel Loyd, Chelsea Gray, and Jackie Young, giving Las Vegas Aces a perimeter attack that ranks third in the league in three-point shooting at 35.1 percent. With multiple scoring threats and strong defense, the Aces suddenly look like the team no one wants to face.
Las Vegas Aces Begin With Storm Challenge
Las Vegas Aces opens its playoff run against the Seattle Storm in the first round. The regular season series between the teams was evenly split, 2-2, with their most recent meeting decided in the closing minutes.
In that game, A’ja scored 29 points while Seattle’s bench kept the game close. Rookie Dominique Malonga contributed 22 points, and veteran Brittney Sykes added 14. But the Storm’s dynamic guard Skylar Diggins was held scoreless in 20 minutes, tilting the contest toward Las Vegas.
If the Las Vegas Aces advance, they will face either the Atlanta Dream or the Indiana Fever in the semifinals. They fared well against Atlanta during the regular season but dropped two of three meetings with Indiana.
The Aces may not resemble the group that stumbled through August. With confidence soaring and A’ja Wilson leading the charge, Las Vegas has transformed from a struggling .500 team to a genuine title contender. For now, they look like the side every opponent should fear.
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I cover NBA at the Playoffs. I specialize in covering breaking news, Previews, in-depth analysis (breaking down numbers, complex stats, nuances of the game, and converting them into reader-friendly content). Furthermore, I got into the sports media while looking for an entry into the media industry. I love International Relations, and since entry without majoring in the subject was difficult, I got into sports. Now, while majoring in International Relations on one side, I also like covering sports as part of the journey as a young Journalist.
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