**"Three-Peating is Challenging": The
Las Vegas Aces' Struggle for **
Becky Hammon attributed her team's unsuccessful attempt at a three-peat to her players becoming "fricking celebrities." The path back to the top will be a tough one, even with the presence of the world's best player.
Just a year ago, the Las Vegas Aces seemed poised to establish themselves as a dynasty. They had recently triumphed over the
New York Liberty, making history as the first WNBA team to secure back-to-back championships in over twenty years. Their victory was so dominant that it turned a highly anticipated matchup into a one-sided affair.
The Aces were hailed as one of the greatest teams in basketball history, rivaling the legendary KD Warriors. Their record of 34 regular-season wins—more than any team in WNBA history—along with their exceptional efficiency, showcased their remarkable execution, intensity, and discipline. The team was characterized by unselfish play, a strong focus, and a palpable joy on the court. With their core players—A’ja Wilson, , Jackie Young, and Chelsea Gray—under contract for at least another year, it seemed like nothing could derail their momentum.
However, the Aces' quest for a three-peat never truly took off. , who had re-signed during free agency, announced her retirement at the start of training camp. The team stumbled out of the gate with a 6-6 record, matching the number of losses they had accumulated in the entire previous season within just the first month.
While Wilson continued to demonstrate her status as the best player in the world—earning her third
Most Valuable Player award and becoming only the second player in WNBA history to win it unanimously—the Aces struggled with backcourt inconsistency and lost their defensive edge. Wilson herself hinted at these issues after a stunning 42-point performance was overshadowed by a loss to one of the league's weaker teams.
The Aces face a challenging road ahead if they hope to reclaim their former glory and solidify their place in basketball history.
Question 1: What achievement did the Las Vegas Aces accomplish last year that positioned them as a potential dynasty?
The Las Vegas Aces won back-to-back WNBA championships, becoming the first team to do so in over two decades, and they showcased one of the best performances in basketball history with a record-breaking 34 regular-season wins.
Question 2: What challenges did the Aces face during their bid for a three-peat?
The Aces faced several challenges, including Candace Parker's retirement announcement at the start of training camp, a slow start to the season with a 6-6 record, and issues with backcourt inconsistency and loss of defensive identity.
Question 3: Who was recognized as the best player in the league during the season, and what accolade did she achieve?
A’ja Wilson was recognized as the best player in the league, earning her third Most Valuable Player award and becoming only the second player in WNBA history to win it unanimously.
Question 4: What did Becky Hammon attribute the Aces' struggles to during the season?
Becky Hammon attributed the Aces' struggles to her players "being fricking celebrities," suggesting that the distractions of fame may have impacted their focus and performance on the court.