Las Vegas Aces’ Recent Performance
The Las Vegas Aces faced a tough defeat against the Minnesota Lynx on August 2nd, bringing their record to 14-14. This result raised questions about the team’s competitiveness moving forward.
Once two-time WNBA champions, the team seemed to struggle significantly. Kelsey Plum, who moved to the Los Angeles Sparks during the offseason, was notably missed. Her replacement, Jewel Lloyd, alongside fellow Olympians, also struggled to find her groove.
However, following that tough loss, the Aces seemed to hit their stride. They’ve turned things around, having won eight straight games, showcasing a record of 23-14. It’s impressive considering that just a month ago, they were under .500, and now they’re close to securing a solid playoff position.
While their schedule wasn’t overly challenging, they did achieve wins against notable teams, including the defending champions, New York Liberty, the second-place Atlanta Dream, and the fifth-place Phoenix Mercury, twice.
A’ja Wilson has been stellar during this period, averaging 26 points, 13.1 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game. It’s interesting how the MVP conversations are heating up again, largely due to her contributions.
Alongside Wilson, Lloyd seems to have regained her form—off the bench, she’s averaging 13.1 points with a 60.8 TS%. Additionally, Jackie Young, who started the season slowly, is now averaging 16.6 points, 5 rebounds, and nearly 5 assists during the winning streak.
Veteran point guard Chelsea Gray has stepped up too, averaging 10.9 points and 7 assists as she finds her footing. “I think she looks like the Chelsea Gray we know,” Head Coach Becky Hammon remarked after a recent victory against the Dream.
Newcomer Narissa Smith, acquired midseason from the Dallas Wings, has also made a significant impact. The former second overall pick is averaging 24.2 minutes per game and contributing decently, with 8 points and 6.3 rebounds since the loss to the Lynx.
It’s remarkable to see how differently Smith is performing in Las Vegas compared to her time in Dallas. While with the Wings, her shooting percentage was 42.1%, but now she’s hitting 54.6%. She’s taking fewer shots but scoring more, and even beyond the arc, she’s shooting 41.7%—a pleasant surprise.
“Being around great players motivates you to elevate your game,” Smith shared after a recent win. “The atmosphere—coaches and teammates—all push you to be your best every day.”
Initially thought to replace Kiltan Bell in the starting lineup, Smith and Bell have instead formed an effective frontcourt pairing with Wilson.
Can the Aces Compete for the Championship?
If the playoffs were to start today, the Aces would face off against the Indiana Fever, who recently lost several key players to season-ending injuries. Caitlyn Clark is still dealing with a groin issue, casting doubt on her postseason availability. Despite outstanding performances from Kelsey Mitchell and Aliyah Boston, the Aces remain underdogs in that matchup.
The championship picture, however, still seems distant. The Lynx, currently the most consistent team in the WNBA with a record of 28-7, have yet to lose to the Aces this season. Although the Aces will have another chance to take them on in September, defeating them in a five-game series could be quite challenging. The defending champions may have slipped recently, but when at full strength, they are formidable. The Atlanta Dream has also emerged as a competitive side this season.
Still, with Wilson leading the charge alongside her three Olympic teammates, the Aces certainly remain in the conversation for the WNBA title.
This turnaround over the past 20 days is quite striking, especially considering the 53-point defeat on August 2nd seems so far removed now.
