The Las Vegas Aces have suffered three straight defeats for the first time since 2019. Even though they are the reigning champions for the second consecutive time, the team is struggling with a record of 5 wins and 5 losses. Nevertheless, they are still confident and are aiming to bounce back and regain their powerful position in the WNBA.
“A’ja Wilson commented that this season is very long after the Aces’ 100-86 loss to the Minnesota Lynx on Tuesday.” I will not activate the panic button. I will continue to place my bet on our team. I am completely aware of the contents of that locker room.
The most recent decline consisted of defeats against Atlanta, Seattle, Los Angeles, and most recently Minnesota, with just one victory over Dallas ending the streak. The Aces have not encountered a more difficult period since August 23-27, 2019, when Bill Laimbeer was leading the team. Elias Sports Bureau has reported that this is the second-longest gap between three-game losing streaks in a single WNBA season, covering 143 games.
The Houston Comets had the longest streak in WNBA history, playing 224 consecutive games from the league’s start in 1997 to 2003.
Despite facing challenges, the Aces found a positive development this week as four of their players—Wilson, Jackie Young, Kelsey Plum, and Chelsea Gray—were selected for the U.S. Olympic 5×5 team. Nevertheless, Gray’s presence has been greatly missed this season as she has been sidelined with an injury from last year’s WNBA Finals. Young, who came back to the starting lineup following a missed game due to illness, still seemed to be in the process of recuperating.
The Aces have been significantly impacted by their defensive challenges in their recent games. Minnesota, with a record of 9-3, displayed a strong offensive performance where all five starting players scored ten or more points, shooting 55.2% from the field and 55.6% from 3-point range (15 of 27).
“It’s our defense,” explained Plum regarding the team’s current challenges. “That’s what we’ve always hung our hat on. We’ve won [championships] the last two years because of defense.” Head coach Becky Hammon, now in her third year with the Aces, acknowledged her concerns about the team’s play since the beginning of the season. “We’re a fun group, but losing sucks,” Hammon stated. “We know each other well, we’ve been through battles.
Las Vegas Aces lose three in row for first time since 2019#abcnewshttps://t.co/XfjSm17HBe
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The attention to detail … I thought we came out and made some great steps forward offensively. And then we couldn’t guard our lunch at the other end.” Hammon emphasized the importance of addressing these issues internally and not overthinking their strategies. “Some of this is self-inflicted.
We’ve got to learn how to stop the bleeding. This is uncomfortable. Nobody likes it. But it could be one of the best things for us,” she said. “I don’t want them thinking too much; then you get paralysis [by] analysis. We’re just not being solid in our base. Just be solid defensively. We’re not a very good team right now, that’s just reality. But we know we can get better. I still have a lot of belief in this ballclub.”
The Aces will play against Phoenix on Thursday, then have a rematch with New York on Saturday at 3 p.m. on ABC, just like last year’s WNBA Finals. The team is dedicated to enhancing and regaining their competitive advantage.
Wilson, who is known for being the most reliable player on the Aces team, expressed the same feeling by saying, “Things are not going to become simpler. It has always been challenging for us. We will keep being ourselves and persisting.
While facing difficulties, the Aces remain steadfast in their determination and dedication to achieving excellence. The team is committed to bouncing back from this difficult period and getting back to their winning ways, utilizing their previous achievements and the talent of their team.