A year ago, Dana Evans found herself as a free agent after a tough season with the Chicago Sky. When she joined the Las Vegas Aces, not many anticipated she would become a vital player in their pursuit of a WNBA Championship.
Now, as the Aces are on the verge of securing her third title in four years, it’s evident that she played that crucial role.
Drafted in the second round in 2021, Evans spent her whole WNBA journey in Chicago, expected to be a cornerstone for the Sky team gearing up for 2024, which included predominantly rookie players like Angel Reese and Camila Cardoso.
However, the season didn’t go as planned; the 5-foot-6 guard transitioned from a starter to the bench, leading to a decline in her playing time and overall impact. She faced some harsh online criticism during this period, calling her performance “disgusting” in one interview.
Reflecting on that challenging season, Evans later remarked, “This season really took my mentality to a new level.”
Fast forward a year, and Evans is now a WNBA champion.
Moreover, she recently completed the most productive season and playoff stint of her career. Throughout 12 postseason games, she averaged 8.5 points and three assists, boasting impressive shooting percentages of 47 from the field, 53 from beyond the arc, and 100 from the free-throw line.
She truly values her efficiency.
One of her standout performances came in Game 1 of the Finals, where she scored 21 points on 8-13 shooting, along with four steals and three assists. Her three 3-pointers in a tight fourth quarter proved crucial for the Aces’ early lead in the series.
But, as she pointed out, it’s not that single game that she’ll remember the most; it’s the championship itself.
“I’m blessed and grateful for that, but I’m still on a high after just winning a championship,” she said in the Aces’ exit interview. “I’m obviously pleased to have contributed in that first game, but it doesn’t feel like I’ve fully grasped it yet.”
Joining the Las Vegas team was a chance for Evans to be part of a championship setup, especially after they had just come off a successful season. Although it was uncertain what role she would take, considering the presence of three Olympic guards—Jackie Young, Chelsea Gray, and Jewell Loyd—she still felt she had much to contribute.
“Being a champion is something I’ve wanted to do all year,” Evans stated. “That’s the most important part to me.”
Evans wasn’t just a role player; she faced significant scrutiny over the past year. Narissa Smith, who played for the Indiana Fever last season, and Kirsten Bell, a seasoned Ace player, also found themselves in similar situations.
The three developed a close bond through navigating the intense online criticism.
“It fueled our fire and brought us closer together, encouraging us to support each other,” Evans noted. “I always aimed to be a positive presence for both of them.”
She acknowledged the difficulty of seeing them struggle under criticism. “It’s tough when you see them feeling down or overwhelmed. As professional athletes, we know criticism comes with the territory, but that can definitely take a toll. I find comfort in having teammates who understand what you’re facing.”
Following the victory, Evans joyfully shared on social media, “Nothing gives me the last laugh.”
During the playoffs, she scored in double figures in half of those games, including 10 points in the Finals’ last match. Her energetic style influences both ends of the court and she ties that determination back to her upbringing.
“I’ve always played through pain,” Evans explained. “People often underestimate me because of my height. They think they can take advantage because I’m small, but being from Gary, Indiana, I’m not intimidated—or backing down from anyone.”
Overall, Evans described her experience with the Aces as a “breath of fresh air,” and capturing this season’s championship was beyond significant for her.
