Las Vegas Aces’ Remarkable Turnaround

Back in August, when the Las Vegas Aces found themselves trailing the Minnesota Lynx by 50 points, it seemed like their season was all but over.

This raised questions about their dynasty, too.

The 2025 Aces really struggled to find their footing. The trade of Kelsey Plumb to the Los Angeles Sparks left a noticeable gap. Jewell Lloyd, once celebrated as a top scorer in the league, has had a tough time lately, shooting only 37.5 percent.

Moreover, the Aces faced a lack of depth in the frontcourt along with A’ja Wilson, who has had his own share of challenges this year.

In June, things hit a low point with the Aces losing five out of six games, starting with a heavy 27-point defeat by the Golden State Valkyries.

After another 27-point loss to the Indiana Fever on July 5, an article was published pondering whether the Aces’ dynasty might be in jeopardy. It didn’t seem far-fetched at the time.

However, the team did not give up.

After the painful loss to the Lynx, Wilson sent a strongly worded message to his teammates: “If you weren’t embarrassed yesterday, don’t come to this gym. We need to change our mindset because it was embarrassing.”

Fast forward a few months, and the Aces now have a commanding 2-0 lead in the WNBA Finals. They are just two wins away from claiming their third championship in four seasons.

This turnaround was quite impressive. The team started the season at a .500 record but turned it into a remarkable 17-game winning streak. That’s something most .500 teams only dream of achieving.

A’ja Wilson, in particular, has reestablished herself as the league’s top player. She ended the season leading in points, rebounds, and blocks, also securing her fourth MVP award. In the playoffs, her stats have been impressive—averaging 25.7 points, 9.7 rebounds, along with solid defensive numbers.

Jackie Young had a slow start but is now excelling, showcasing her best basketball ever. She scored 21 points in the third quarter during Game 2 and maintained an impressive playoff average.

And let’s not forget Chelsea Gray, the engine behind the Aces’ success. After an injury last year, she’s back to form, contributing significantly in the playoffs with solid performances in points and assists.

“They’re studs,” remarked Aces head coach Becky Hammon, referring to her star players. “That’s why expectations are so high.”

The Collective Effort Behind the Aces’ Rebirth

However, such a remarkable mid-season comeback doesn’t hinge solely on three players. While that core group is crucial, the contributions of others have also been vital.

Nalyssa Smith, obtained in a mid-season trade, has strengthened the frontline alongside Wilson. In the playoffs, she has stepped up with notable performances, playing the best basketball of her career.

Jewell Lloyd has also adapted well to her new role, influencing games from the bench. Although her scoring has varied, her overall impact—such as timely rebounds and defensive efforts—has been crucial.

Then there’s Dana Evans, who has blossomed in the playoffs, averaging 8.5 points with effective shooting, including leading the charge in Game 1 of the Finals.

The list of contributors is extensive. Megan Gustafson, who had limited minutes during the regular season, found her rhythm in the playoffs, while Kia Stokes made a crucial defensive stop late in Game 1.

Coach Hammon deserves credit, too. She empowered her team to strategize midway through the season, a decision that clearly paid off. It’s evident from post-game interviews how much her players value her leadership.

This series isn’t decided yet, as the Phoenix Mercury will look to capitalize on their home court in the upcoming games.

But it does seem that the Aces are on the verge of accomplishing one of the most significant comebacks in the sport’s history.