The Las Vegas Aces, LSU and how sports fans can learn from women’s basketball — Andscape

Two weeks ago, the Las Vegas Aces secured back-to-back WNBA titles, with forward A’ja Wilson emerging as a true champion. During the postgame press conference, Wilson exuded confidence, holding a gold bottle in one hand and a microphone in the other. But there was a newfound gravity to Wilson, a sense of legendary performance that had not been seen before. The celebration continued with teammate Kelsey Plum’s impression of Radio Raheem from “Do the Right Thing,” adding an element of humor to the moment. Wilson reluctantly joined in, momentarily conceding to her teammates’ rendition of Crime Mob’s “Knuck If You Buck.” The championship vibes and competitive spirit carried on in the following days, with Wilson proudly wearing a shirt at the victory parade displaying the number of regular-season MVP votes she received. The Aces were also treated as superstar guests by R&B singer Usher, further adding to the extravagant and joyful atmosphere. These past two weeks have been extraordinary, with Wilson even calling out Usher, creating a beautiful and liberating experience. This is what women’s basketball deserves.

Last year was a challenging time for the WNBA due to various trials and detentions faced by players like Brittney Griner in Russia. However, the sport showcased its growth and potential through a record-setting NCAA Women’s Final Four. Unfortunately, incidents of taunting between players Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese highlighted a race-based double standard. Reese’s gesture of pointing at her ring finger and making a gesture towards Clark received undeserved criticism, while Clark had been celebrated for making the same gesture. This dynamic reemerged during the WNBA Finals, when Sabrina Ionescu’s “night night” gesture was met with a response from Sydney Colson. These instances of trash talk and expressive gestures brought attention to women’s basketball.

Personally, I find trash talk in sports intriguing and enjoyable. However, it’s disappointing to witness the different reactions when Black women express confidence compared to others. Some people are uncomfortable with Reese’s unapologetic cockiness or Colson’s joyful dancing on stage. But why should it matter? When you win, you do what makes you happy. I appreciate the sport’s commitment to authenticity, regardless of the backlash from bots and trolls. Sports has become more than just on-court competition; it has also become entertainment, evident through partnerships with celebrities like Kim Kardashian. Despite what some may say in the comment section, the media and overall interest suggest that people love drama and messiness. I know Clark is already planning her revenge, and people want to witness that. She was celebrated by Iowa fans even after their championship game loss, proving the excitement she generates. Women’s college basketball is filled with questions waiting to be answered in thrilling live-action. Can LSU repeat their success? Can Paige Bueckers lead UConn back to glory? How will Dawn Staley and South Carolina bounce back from their heartbreaking loss? Looking at the future, I can’t help but wonder how Breanna Stewart will respond after a disappointing postseason. Every game between the Aces and the Liberty last season was intense and evenly matched, and I’m eager to see how the rivalry unfolds in the upcoming season. While I’m cautious about comparing men’s and women’s sports, I can’t help but mention the captivating rivalry between Magic Johnson and Larry Bird that transcended college basketball and had a significant impact on the NBA. The pettiness and racial tension between the Lakers and Celtics created a decade of legendary championship battles. I hope to see the Aces and Liberty recreate that kind of rivalry next season, with both teams at full strength and the support of influential figures courtside. I also hope to witness the Lady Tigers of LSU and Iowa’s women’s basketball team meet again in the Final Four when it truly matters. Above all, I hope sports fans can learn from women’s basketball and embrace consistency, authenticity, and a bit of pettiness. These qualities bring out the best in everyone in the world of sports.