The Las Vegas Aces kept their hot stretch rolling with a win that underscored how far they’ve come since a brutal night a week earlier. After suffering a 53-point loss to the Minnesota Lynx that left them reeling, Las Vegas bounced back in a big way, delivering a 24-point victory in a game pitting them against the expansion Golden State Valkyries. The win propelled the Aces to nine wins in their last 10 games and kept them squarely in the mix for home-court advantage as the regular season winds down.
The turnaround was fueled by a combination of intensified focus on fundamentals and a tighter, more collaborative approach. The Aces tied a franchise record with 18 three-pointers and, on the heels of the Lynx setback, sparked what ESPN Research called the largest turnaround in back-to-back games in WNBA history. Head coach Becky Hammon stressed the need to return to core principles after a troubling start to the season, noting that momentum has to be built from a solid base.
A’ja Wilson continued to anchor Las Vegas, posting numbers that highlight why she’s the league’s reigning MVP. During the seven-game win streak, Wilson has averaged 26.1 points and 13.3 rebounds, with at least 30 points in three of the past four games. Her leadership has become more vocal as the season has progressed, and Wilson has emphasized the importance of letting the game come to her at times to maintain balance and poise for the team.
The Aces have also seen a shift in how they prepare. Facing the Lynx, Hammon called Las Vegas’ defense “atrocious,” and her response with the current squad has paid dividends. The Aces have evolved into one of the league’s top-five defenses and remain among the league leaders in rebounding, a critical factor in their improved offensive efficiency—keeping the Aces’ offense near the top of the rating after a rough patch earlier in the season.
The coaching staff also leaned into a fresh form of engagement: players prepared their own scouting reports before practices, detailing preferred matchups and game plans led by Wilson. Hammon would then challenge those plans, encouraging players to question and refine their own ideas. The tactic helped create greater buy-in and a shared accountability, with Wilson describing it as a “block party” that has helped the team gel.
On the floor, the roster has taken on new dynamics. Jewell Loyd, a six-time All-Star, joined a roster with several new faces, and the adjustment process was real. Loyd initially faced a slow start, even entertaining a shift to the bench before Hammon was convinced to make changes. Loyd ultimately thrived in the reserve role, trimming her minutes but increasing scoring to about 14.6 points per game in 25 minutes across 10 appearances as a reserve. The move helped balance the roster and contributed to the Aces’ depth and late-game execution.
Loyd’s experience has blended with the Aces’ evolving identity, including the absence of Kelsey Plum, who departed for the Los Angeles in free agency, and the departure of Natalie Nakase and Tyler Marsh to head coaching opportunities with Golden State and Chicago, respectively. Despite the turnover, Las Vegas has managed to maintain a coherent, purpose-driven approach, with Wilson and the veteran core providing stability while younger pieces continue to grow into their roles.
Hammon has highlighted the importance of consistency, noting that great teams perform at a high level every night. The Aces have answered that call, building one of the league’s longest active win streaks and positioning themselves to contend for home-court advantage in the playoffs, which begin Sept. 14. The team’s leadership—fronted by Wilson’s on-court dominance and her willingness to lead through tough times—has been crucial in sustaining trust and keeping the locker room unified.
What this means going forward
– The Aces’ enhanced defense and rebounding, paired with a sharper offensive rhythm, put them in a strong position for the postseason.
– The self-scouting reports and ongoing player-driven collaboration could serve as a blueprint for teams navigating midseason chemistry shifts.
– If Las Vegas can sustain this level of consistency, they’ll be a dangerous opponent in a home playoff environment, with a chance to capitalize on the momentum they’re building now.
Overall, the Aces have transformed a difficult stretch into a suggestive sign of championship resilience. Their ability to diagnose issues, adjust on the fly, and lean on leadership from Wilson and a growing supporting cast has them poised for a meaningful postseason push.
Additional notes and context
– Wilson’s leadership has become as important as her scoring, providing a steadying voice during adverse stretches.
– The team’s defense and rebounding improvements have been key to unlocking a more potent offense, helping the Aces sustain dominance across multiple weeks.
– With nine games remaining in the regular season, the Aces are navigating the final stretch with the goal of securing home-floor advantage and maintaining momentum into the playoffs.
Summary: The Aces’ dramatic turnaround after a historic loss, driven by strategic changes, leadership by Wilson, and a more collaborative roster approach, has them positioned to contend for a deep postseason run and potentially host a first-round series.