All-Star center A’ja Wilson has been the primary engine that pushed the Las Vegas Aces to win the championship last year. Now, the WNBA star cried in front of reporters as she shared what being a leader meant for her team.
The Aces had a remarkable run last season, building on their championship success from the previous year. Despite only making one significant roster change, trading away Dearica Hamby, the Aces were able to add former WNBA champions Candace Parker and Alysha Clark to bolster their lineup.
The Aces’ consistency was evident in the early stages of the season, as they went 4-0 in May and then embarked on two long winning streaks of seven and eleven games, respectively. Their only losses during the regular season came against the Connecticut Sun, New York Liberty, and Los Angeles Sparks.
The Aces’ regular season dominance continued, as they finished with a franchise and WNBA record of 34-6, securing the top seed in the playoffs. They breezed through the first two rounds, defeating the Chicago Sky and Dallas Wings, setting up a Finals matchup against the New York Liberty.
In the Finals, the Aces showcased their championship pedigree, winning the series three games to one, becoming the first team since the 2002 Los Angeles Sparks to win back-to-back titles. Their consistent performance throughout the season and their ability to perform at the highest level in the playoffs cemented the Aces’ status as one of the WNBA’s elite teams.
Las Vegas Aces Center and WNBA Star A’ja Wilson Explains Why She Cried During Postgame Interview
Although the Aces aren’t nowhere near the top this season, the team under coach Becky Hammon still has Wilson as the number one option. Just recently, though, she and Hammon faced reporters and cried while doing so. She explained why in a video posted by espnW on X.
A’ja Wilson was brought to tears talking about her leadership and accountability for the Las Vegas Aces.
📹 @LVAces pic.twitter.com/UjLsQ5am93
— espnW (@espnW) June 15, 2024
This season, the All-Star center is averaging 28.0 points, 11.5 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.7 steals, and 2.5 blocks per game. She’s also hitting 51 percent from the field, 43 percent from deep, and 85 percent from the free throw line, making her one of the most efficient stars in the league.
It remains to be seen how Las Vegas will fare in the coming months as the playoffs draw nearer. In any case, Wilson will continue to be the leader she is for the team as they attempt a three-peat down the line.
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