The Aces Facing Uncharted Territory: A Season of Struggles
What Chelsea Gray once dubbed “uncharted territory” is beginning to feel like the new normal for the Las Vegas Aces. After experiencing a harsh defeat against the Golden State Valkyries, Gray expressed confusion over the team’s unfamiliar performance. This sentiment has only deepened as the Aces fell to a 94-83 loss against the Washington Mystics, pushing their record under .500 for the fourth time this season.
Understanding the Current Struggles
The frustrations of the season were palpable in the locker room after the latest loss. Reserve guard Dana Evans candidly articulated the mindset of many players, stating, “It’s so repetitive. It’s the same thing every game. That’s the frustrating part.” This sense of déjà vu looms as the Aces grapple with a series of disappointing performances that defy their status as a championship contender.
Performance Highlight: Relying on Bench Strength
Despite the overall team struggles, Evans emerged as a bright spot in the game, scoring 12 points, nine of which came in a pivotal third quarter. Coach Becky Hammon, known for her decisive leadership, made the bold move to bench her starters to shake things up—a strategy aimed at addressing the team’s ongoing second-half disarray. However, the Aces faced a daunting 22-point deficit by the third quarter, exacerbated by a 9-0 run from the Mystics.
Key Players Underperforming
A’ja Wilson, a three-time WNBA MVP, led the team with 22 points but chose to remain silent postgame, adding to the feeling of uncertainty surrounding the squad. Other key players like Jackie Young and Gray scored 13 points each, while Jewell Loyd contributed 11. This level of output from such a talented roster, filled with multi-time All-Stars, simply hasn’t been sufficient.
The Mystics Strike Back
On the flip side, the Washington Mystics displayed a commendable performance, particularly from rookie Sonia Citron, who topped the scoreboard for her team with 21 points. Even in the absence of star player Brittney Sykes, the Mystics managed to effectively capitalize on opportunities, including a strong 10-of-19 showing from three-point range. Their depth was illustrated by contributions from Lucy Olsen off the bench, who added 14 points to the mix.
Defensive Gaps and Communication Errors
The Aces continue to struggle defensively, leading Gray to comment on the team’s inability to contain opponents. “They’re getting wide-open looks,” she said. “Credit to them, they’re professionals… But we got to be better defensively.” The game revealed glaring communication lapses that allowed the Mystics to score freely, particularly causing concern amidst a four-game homestand that ended with the Aces at a lackluster 2-2 record.
Coach Hammon’s Observations
Coach Hammon’s reaction to the team’s recent performance was blunt. In a postgame news conference, she described the situation simply as "not good." Her evaluation extended beyond mere statistics, emphasizing the presence of brilliance in moments contrasted sharply with “absolute disaster.” Her comments reflect a pressing need for consistency—one that would be vital as the team prepares for an upcoming five-game road trip starting against the Phoenix Mercury.
Call to Action
As the Aces prepare to take on the Mercury, Hammon underscored the need for the team to shift their mindset. “Compete hard. Know your job, do your job,” she urged, highlighting the basic skills that appear to have been neglected. Emphasizing the importance of execution both offensively and defensively, Hammon delivered a clear message: improvement must happen at the fundamental level for the Aces to reclaim their competitive edge.