PHOENIX — The Diamond formation showcases four F-16 fighter jets flying at the speed of sound, just 18 inches apart. Achieving this requires an incredible amount of skill, timing, and concentration.
Watching it live is something special. The sound of jets slicing through the sky is pretty amazing from the ground.
But pilot life inside the cockpit? That’s a different story—it’s intense.
Perfect execution hinges on synchronization and unwavering confidence. Each pilot needs to perform their role precisely and trust their teammates not to waver.
“Without blind trust, the show doesn’t work,” noted Air Force Lt. Col. Justin Elliott in the Netflix documentary “Air Force Elite: Thunderbirds.”
Becky Hammon, the ace coach, felt a strong connection with the camaraderie displayed among the pilots when she watched the documentary for the first time. It struck her as the essence of a winning team.
Practice makes perfect, they say.
Service comes before self.
Trust precedes victory.
These phrases appeared during the Thunderbirds trailer. They resonate with Hammon as she chases her third title in four years.
Earlier in the season, she screened a clip from the documentary for her team. It led to a movie night at their facility where the players bonded over shared experiences.
The concept of blind trust truly thrives within Las Vegas teams. With their recent success, the Aces are just one win away from reclaiming their title as the top WNBA team.
This sense of togetherness didn’t happen overnight. Just like air traffic controllers undergo rigorous training, building a high tower of trust as the Aces did takes time and patience. Still, in Las Vegas, they understand that such trust can be fragile. It “could break in an instant,” as Hammon expressed.
Over the last year, the Aces have seen significant changes. Hammon lost two top assistants, Natalie Nakase and Tyler Marsh, who took head coaching positions elsewhere. Additionally, Kelsey Plumb, a pivotal player from the previous championships, has moved to Los Angeles. The team also brought in Jewell Lloyd, who sought a fresh start after spending a decade in Seattle.
Four other players, including Dana Evans and Nalyssa Smith, were new additions since last year.
Following a loss at the season opener, Hammon remarked that the team “has a lot of work to do.”
Trust issues on the court hindered the Aces’ performance. Defensive rotations faltered, and there were too many mistakes. My confidence in making the next pass often dipped. Small turnovers compounded into larger problems.
“If we gave the ball up early, we didn’t believe we could get it back,” Hammon recalled. “[Trust] isn’t just a straight line; it’s layered. They’ve put in a lot of effort to build that trust.”
Around mid-season, Hammon devised an unusual practice aimed at strengthening their mutual trust.
Chelsea Gray recounted that when they walked into practice, they found the black carpet covered in eggs. Players were paired up, with one blindfolded while the other guided them through the egg maze. The goal? Build trust.
“It was wild,” Gray shared. “We had no clue.” Despite the eggs remaining unbroken, she found the exercise relieving, helping her understand their communication styles better.
After the All-Star break, the Aces were struggling, even sitting at 14-13 as August arrived. There were worries that they might miss the playoffs entirely.
Yet, outside doubts didn’t seep into their locker room. Instead, the team concentrated on forging a united identity.
“It’s about building habits and understanding. That’s the culture Becky promotes,” Gray explained. “Her message is that when you focus on uplifting one another, it ultimately benefits you too.”
By the end of the season, the Aces achieved an impressive 16-game winning streak, securing second place in the standings. They faced the Storm in the first round, winning all three games, then had to battle an injury-ravaged Fever team in the semifinals.
For months, the Aces prepared for this crucial moment. Even when confronted with challenges, they found ways to persevere.
The blind trust among the Aces was prominent during this series, especially in their 90-88 victory. After leading by 17 at the start of the fourth quarter, the Mercury closed the gap and tied the game twice in the final moments.
When Wilson fumbled during a crucial play, feeling a bit frustrated, Lloyd reached out to reassure her. “It’s a blind trust you’re witnessing,” Wilson commented.
The mistake faded from Wilson’s mind as she focused on securing possession again.
As Alyssa Thomas drove towards the basket, Megan Gustafson stepped up, forcing a miss. Wilson knocked the ball away from Thomas, helping Gustafson regain possession.
With the game tied and just five seconds left, Wilson sank the winning shot, finishing with 34 points.
“In that moment, when Phoenix caught up, we just understood each other, holding each other accountable for those key plays,” Wilson reflected. “Blind trust means having faith that your teammates will not only challenge you but also be there cheering you on.”
Recently, the Aces rewatched “Thunderbirds.” Smith, who had missed the first screening, remarked on the importance of blind trust in supporting one another.
This mindset positions the Aces on the brink of more championships, as they prepare for Game 4 this Friday.
