Las Vegas Aces Face Challenges in WNBA Championship Goals
The Las Vegas Aces have certainly proven they can win a WNBA Championship, having clinched two titles with much of their current roster. Yet, the quest for a third title hit a snag when they were ousted by the New York Liberty in the semi-finals last season after losing to them in the regular season.
Fast forward to the 2025 season, and the Aces suffered their first defeat at the hands of the Liberty. This marks Liberty’s fifth win over the Aces in the regular season, and they hold an impressive 8-1 record against Las Vegas in the past year. It’s reasonable to credit New York for building a strong team, but I can imagine the Aces are feeling a bit frustrated. After all, how do they aim for the championship when the very team that just won it stands in their way? If the Aces continue to struggle against top contenders like New York, will they find themselves slipping down the competitive ladder?
So, what is it about the Liberty that makes them such a challenge for the Aces? There are a few factors at play: matchups, depth, and perhaps a few secondary issues.
New York’s Matchup Advantages
Matchups are a huge deal in basketball, especially on the defensive end. Las Vegas has had a tough time containing the Liberty, thanks largely to New York’s coaching staff who have crafted effective one-on-one matchups.
Take the point guard position, for instance, with Jackie Young facing off against Natasha Cloud. Both players are impressive on both offense and defense, but Cloud has a distinct edge—she’s quick. Her speed allows her to break through defenses before they can even get settled. Plus, her defensive skills often lead to turnovers, and she can easily switch from guarding Young to Chelsea Gray, providing the Liberty with versatile matchup options.
Another significant matchup is between Gray and Leony Fevich. The Liberty’s strategy to use the taller Fevich against Gray effectively disrupts the Aces. While Gray managed 12 points in their recent encounter, Fevich’s size also hampers her ability to pass effectively.
The face-off between Breanna Stewart and A’ja Wilson is equally exciting. Both players excel on both ends of the court, but the Liberty seem to have decided to focus on containing Wilson, who has been scoring over 30 points a game.
Wilson Can’t Carry the Team Alone
A’ja Wilson is undoubtedly the Aces’ star player and a significant advantage for them. She set a league record with 26.9 points per game last season and has maintained an average of 26.5 points in the first two games of 2025. However, even her talent can’t shoulder the team’s success single-handedly. The Aces need additional scoring options to compete with a deep team like New York.
This is where Jewell Loyd comes into play, ideally averaging over 20 points per game against tough matchups. Although she struggled in the Aces’ opener against New York with just four points, she rebounded nicely with a 20-point performance against Connecticut.
Young is another crucial player for the Aces. Her ability to consistently score in double digits alleviates some pressure off Wilson. Last year, she averaged 15.8 points per game, and her performance has hovered around that in the early 2025 season, scoring around 16 points per game.
New York’s Depth Outmatches Vegas
Vegas’s primary challenge lies not just in winning a game against the Liberty, but in their overall depth required for a championship. Beyond their star lineup of Wilson, Young, Loyd, Gray, and Kia Stokes, only two bench players logged over ten minutes in their last game. Dana Evans scored ten points, while Tiffany Mitchell didn’t score at all. Other players like Liz Kitley and Kiltan Bell had minimal contributions.
This lack of depth forces Aces’ head coach Becky Hammon to rely heavily on Wilson, often playing her for more than 35-40 minutes against a team like New York. While having three MVPs on the court is advantageous, it may not be sustainable throughout a grueling 44-game season and playoffs. In contrast, only Cloud and Sabrina Ionescu logged over 30 minutes for the Liberty, implying that New York coach Sandy Brondello effectively utilized her bench, allowing starters like Stewart and Jones to rest without losing momentum.
As the season progresses, insufficient rest for players can lead to injuries. Defense is energy-intensive, and relying too much on star players can backfire. While Wilson can lead, she needs support. The Aces need to acknowledge their lack of bench depth if they aspire to compete with a well-oiled New York team.
It may seem like small issues for elite contenders, but for the Aces to clinch another title, their limited bench options during this 44-game stretch could become a significant drawback.
