The Las Vegas Aces, led by A’ja Wilson, are on the cusp of making history with a potential three-peat as WNBA champions. Their impressive run has solidified their place among the greatest teams in league history.
After a record-breaking regular season, which culminated in their second consecutive championship, the Aces are entering the upcoming season with their core group intact. WNBA Finals MVP A’ja Wilson, along with Kelsey Plum, Jackie Young, and Chelsea Gray, are all returning and at the peak of their careers. Young is 26, Wilson is 27, Plum is 29, and Gray is 31.
“This is a moment that deserves celebration,” said Wilson, who delivered an outstanding performance with 24 points and 16 rebounds in the Game 4 clincher.
With this back-to-back championship win, the Aces have joined the exclusive club of teams who have accomplished such a feat, alongside the Los Angeles Sparks (2001-02) and the Houston Comets (1997-2000).
Wilson acknowledged the difficulty of winning consecutive titles and recognizes the even greater challenge of securing a third. Her teammates Gray and Candace Parker, who missed the past season due to injury, have experienced the pressure of defending a title and falling short.
Parker, who became the first player to win three championships with three different teams, commented, “It takes skill, a bit of luck, and good health. The Aces faced adversity and still prevailed, which makes it even more special.”
Wilson sought guidance from Cynthia Cooper-Dyke and Sheryl Swoopes, key members of the dominant Comets dynasty, on what it takes to repeat. Embracing their advice, Wilson stepped up and dominated each game, particularly in the finals where she recorded two 20-point, 15-rebound performances, a first in WNBA Finals history.
The Aces overcame numerous obstacles throughout the season, playing without key players and weathering storms. Their resilience, chemistry, and professionalism demonstrated their championship mettle.
Adding to their strength, Becky Hammon, the Aces’ coach, led the team to back-to-back titles in her first two seasons, joining an elite group of coaches in WNBA and NBA history.
However, the New York Liberty poses a significant challenge in the Aces’ quest for a three-peat. As the preseason favorites to meet in the finals, the narrow one-point loss in the clinching game will undoubtedly fuel the Liberty’s desire for redemption.
Nonetheless, the Aces remain the team to beat in the WNBA, with Las Vegas likely being the destination for the title next year, making it three consecutive years of Aces dominance.
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Rachel Adams is your WNBA insider, delivering comprehensive coverage of women’s basketball. With a commitment to highlighting the talent and achievements of WNBA players, she provides game analysis, player profiles, and inspiring stories from the league.
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