By: Nina Samone
On Tuesday, May 31st, the Las Vegas Aces made history in a franchise-best start at the Michelob Ultra Arena against the Connecticut Sun – extending their win streak to seven games.
The game even warranted a tweet from Tom Brady, who was on the sidelines – “First class basketball” he wrote on Twitter.
The 89-81 win came after an impressive 24 points from Aces forward A’ja Wilson – who also took home the Western Conference Player of the Week honors for May 23rd – 29th. This is Wilson’s 8th Player of the Week award, the most in franchise history.
Las Vegas has won all three Player of the Week awards in the Western Conference – two going to Wilson and one going to Jackie Young.
Aces head coach Becky Hammon is now undefeated at home, and the most successful rookie coach in WNBA history through her first ten games.
Hammon applauded her team on their defense, saying, “When we play out of our defense, we become elite.”
The Aces outscored the Sun 22-2 in transition, forced 14 turnovers and added nine steals.
Las Vegas is the team to beat with one of the league’s most dynamic and dominant starting five, with arguably the best offense in the league as well.
Wilson had a double-double by halftime, Kelsey Plum tacking on 18 – 13 of which were in the 1st half – and Jackie Young adding 15 points in just 18 minutes in the first half.
Wilson and Dearica Hamby were both tied for the league lead in rebounds at 10 per game, while both Plum and Chelsea Gray were in the top five for asissts.
Hammon mentioned in the preseason that she wanted the franchise to play differently than they had before, with increased spacing, ball movement and pace. Her tactic has paid off tremendously, and the Aces show no signs of slowing down.
“I think the most encouraging thing for me is just their ability to learn,” Hammon said. “Really it doesn’t matter the opponent, we want to continue to be who we are and fortify who we are.”
The Aces will face off against the Sun again on Thursday, June 2nd at 10PM.
Sources:
May 31st, 2022. Las Vegas Aces. “A’ja Wilson Named Western Conference Player of the Week For Franchise-Record 8th Time.” <https://aces.wnba.com/news/aja-wilson-named-western-conference-player-of-the-week-for-franchise-record-8th-time/>
Yamashita, Andy. May 31st, 2022. Las Vegas Review-Journal. “Aces off to races with victory, franchise-best start.” <https://www.reviewjournal.com/sports/aces/aces-off-to-races-with-victory-franchise-best-start-2585383/>
Pickman, Ben. June 1st, 2022. SI WNBA. “The Aces Look Damn Near Unstoppable Under Becky Hammon.” <https://www.si.com/wnba/2022/06/01/becky-hammon-las-vegas-aces-unstoppable>
