In the recent game against the Seattle Storm, despite the Aces suffering a narrow loss of 90-83, rookie guard Aaliyah Nye shone as a bright spot for the team. Coming off the bench, Nye showcased her talent and determination, playing 24 minutes and contributing significantly, particularly in the pivotal third quarter.
When the team’s starters struggled, especially during a disastrous stretch where the Aces squandered an 11-point lead—yielding a 29-21 deficit in the third—Nye stepped up her game. She delivered a strong defensive performance along with 13 points, tying her season high. Notably, her offensive contributions included a buzzer-beater three-pointer at the end of the first quarter, which displayed her clutch shooting ability.
Head coach Becky Hammon expressed frustration with the starters’ performance in the third quarter, suggesting she might consider a lineup change to shake things up. “Maybe I will just start a different five in the third quarter. Anything’s on the table,” Hammon remarked. She highlighted the significant gap in defensive effort, which Nye’s second unit appeared to overcome.
Drafted as the 13th overall pick and coming from the University of Alabama, Nye has averaged 4.3 points per game this season, but her performance in this game may signal her potential for growth and a more prominent role moving forward. Hammon noted her consistent hard work and effort, indicating that Nye’s tenacity is a valuable asset to the team.
Despite the loss, the emergence of Nye may bring a hopeful outlook for the Aces as they navigate the challenges ahead. The team can look to build on her momentum and resilience as they strive for improvement in the upcoming games.