Back in August, the Las Vegas Aces faced off against the Minnesota Lynx, and at one point, they were trailing by a staggering 50 points. It really seemed like their season—and possibly their dynasty—was at an end.
During the 2025 season, things just didn’t click for the Aces. The absence of Kelsey Plum, who transferred to the Los Angeles Sparks in the offseason, loomed large. Jewel Lloyd, once one of the top scorers in the league, struggled, hitting only 37.5% of his shots. The team also lacked depth in the frontcourt next to Aja Wilson, and even she encountered an unexpectedly tough season.
Things didn’t improve in June when they lost five out of six games, starting with a 27-point defeat to the Golden State Valkyries. Then came a particularly rough day on July 5 when they were beaten by the Indiana Fever without Caitlyn Clark, again by 27 points. An article titled “The Las Vegas Ace may be in a difficult situation” hinted at the decline of the team’s “dynasty.”
Back then, it was hard to argue against it, but somehow, the Aces fought back.
After losing to the Lynx by 53 points, Aja Wilson sent a powerful text to her teammates, saying, “If you weren’t embarrassed yesterday, stop coming to this gym. You’re not needed and you’re not wanted here. We need to change our mindset because it was embarrassing.” You really have to admire that kind of leadership.
Fast forward a few months, and it’s almost unbelievable to see the Aces leading 2-0 in the WNBA Finals. They’re aiming for their third championship in four seasons, sitting just two wins away from the top of women’s basketball once again.
The turnaround was something else. They finished the regular season at 14-14, but then rattled off 17 straight wins. It’s the kind of comeback you’d think only exists in fairy tales.
But how did they pull it off?
Aja Wilson has reclaimed her title as the most dominant player in the league. She topped the charts in points, rebounds, and blocks, which earned her a fourth MVP award. In these playoffs, she’s been averaging an impressive 25.7 points, 9.7 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 2.4 blocks, and 2.3 steals. It’s no surprise she’s back at the forefront.
Then we have Jackie Young, who started the season in a slump but has found her groove, marking a career-best performance. Just look at her in Game 2, where she erupted for 21 points in one quarter alone. She’s currently averaging 20.6 points with a shooting rate of 52.1% in the playoffs.
Chelsea Gray, the team’s engine and 2022 Finals MVP, has also bounced back. Previously hampered by injury, he’s now in strong form, contributing an average of 10.5 points, 7.8 assists, and 2.2 steals in the playoffs.
The entire team is responsible for the remarkable turnaround.
It’s clear that the Aces’ rebound has been a team effort. While they have an incredible championship core, it’s other key contributions that have propelled them to the top.
Narissa Smith, acquired mid-season, strengthened the frontcourt next to Wilson. In these playoffs, her stats show an average of 7.8 points and 4.8 rebounds with an impressive 60.7% field goal percentage. Notably, she played a vital role in crucial games against the Indiana Fever.
Meanwhile, Jewel Lloyd has adapted well coming off the bench. It’s hard to believe she was a top scorer just last season, but her new role has allowed her to still influence games significantly, providing timely rebounds and crucial defensive stops.
Dana Evans, who faced challenges in Chicago last year, has stepped up for Las Vegas, averaging 8.5 points while shooting at 47.8%. She notably led the Aces to victory in Game 1 of the WNBA Finals with 21 points, many scored in clutch moments.
The contributions don’t stop there. Megan Gustafson, who barely saw the court in the regular season, has made a difference in the playoffs. Kia Stokes, while rarely featured, even made an impact in the final moments of the WNBA Finals with a pivotal defensive play.
Head coach Becky Hamon deserves credit too. With her two WNBA championships and experience, she’s empowered her players to adapt their game plans mid-season, and it’s clear her players respect and rally behind her.
This series isn’t concluded yet, though. The Phoenix Mercury will have their chance to make a comeback at home starting Wednesday. But one thing’s for sure—the Aces might just be on the verge of a sports miracle.
