The Las Vegas Aces have been doing something recently that they are not accustomed to; losing. On Tuesday, they lost to the Minnesota Lynx 100-86, marking the third game in a row that they have lost.
This is the first time since 2019 that the Las Vegas Aces have lost three games in a row. The recent losing streak has dropped the team’s record to 5-5, as the two-time defending WNBA Champions are facing some adversity. But, confidence has not waned with the team.
“This is a long, long, long season,” A’ja Wilson said after the loss on Tuesday evening. “I’m not going to press the panic button. I’m still going to bet on us. I know exactly what’s in that locker room.”
Losers in four out of their last five games, the Las Vegas Aces are certainly feeling the loss of Chelsea Gray. She was injured in the 2023 WNBA Finals against the New York Liberty and has yet to play this season. Jackie Young has not looked 100 percent recently either as she battles an illness.
A’ja Wilson has done everything she can to help keep the team afloat. She scored 28 points against the Lynx, running her streak of 20+ point games to 15. But, offense hasn’t been the team’s issue.
The Las Vegas Aces are third in the league averaging 85.7 points per game. Where they have struggled is on defense. After ranking third in the league in points allowed last season, they are currently eighth out of 12.
“It’s our defense,” A’ja Wilson said of what is bothering the Aces most now. “That’s what we’ve always hung our hat on. We’ve won [championships] the last two years because of defense.”
Despite the same core returning for the 2024 season, the Las Vegas Aces have not yet replicated the success. Not having Gray is certainly contributing to that, but there is still more than enough star power for this team to find success.
The Las Vegas Aces and A’ja Wilson will look to get back into the win column when they travel to take on the Phoenix Mercury on Thursday night. It would be nice to get a win and build some positive momentum before heading into a finals rematch with the New York Liberty on Saturday afternoon.
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