When you think of dynasties in the WNBA, what teams come to mind? Houston Comets won the first four championships of the sport’s existence. Minnesota Lynx and Seattle Storm have the same number of titles as Houston. Out in the desert resides a team who’s on the same trajectory to become the next WNBA dynasty in Las Vegas. A team who’s built around their franchise player A’ja Wilson; along with a roster of great players: Kelsey Plum, Chelsea Gray, Jackie Young and Syd Colson.
Becky Hammon in her second season as head coach put the WNBA on notice and there’s no further competition. This Aces team is built to win for the next several years, just like Houston, Minnesota, and Seattle. As they’ve become more in the spotlight, the chemistry and love are real. Even future Hall of Famer Candace Parker has made an impact from being a voice in the huddles. You can say these women truly enjoy playing basketball and winning together.
Upon concluding their quest for a back to back championship, Las Vegas let the world know they’ve arrived and no stopping them. Beating the New York Liberty, who had no answer for Vegas’ ball movement or A’ja Wilson, the Liberty did good to win game three in Brooklyn. All the fuel and being snubbed for WNBA MVP, A’ja was truly the real WNBA MVP. Great of a season Breanna Stewart had in her first season with the Liberty, she had no impact in this series.
We criticize players who don’t show up in big games, but all the praise for Breanna Stewart when she won the award. For A’ja to be snubbed, I don’t blame her for taking it personal. Vegas rallied around their leader and put on a clinic to close this series out in four games. Everyone doubted the Aces; even when head coach Becky Hammon missed a good chunk of the season with a suspension. Vegas didn’t miss a beat and kept on playing their brand of basketball. When a team truly enjoys being around each other, understanding their roles and a culture of winning; what more can you ask for?
In the grand scheme of things, Las Vegas is on the same trajectory in becoming a dynasty. Just like their predecessors Houston, Seattle and Minnesota accomplished with their rosters. A’ja Wilson in her prime will be unstoppable; she proved that in this series with the clutch jumper to seal game four over New York. WNBA Finals MVP was rewarded to Ms. Wilson and there was no further question.
As the Vegas Aces continue their quest for more championships, parades and celebrations will follow. Long as core of this team is in place, they’ll always be the favorites to win it all. Teams will come and go, but the Aces are here to stay, while garnering new fans along the way. With Tom Brady having ownership in the franchise, Vegas is just beginning their journey as one of the WNBA’s greatest dynasties. Until 2024, congrats Las Vegas Aces and their entire organization, players, and coaching staff. In closing, as the saying goes: “Raise the Stakes.”
Stai tuned…
