A dynasty is born! Las Vegas Aces' journey to the 2025 WNBA Championship is a tale of resilience, talent, and an unbreakable spirit.
In a pivotal Semi-Final game against the Indiana Fever, the Aces witnessed a turning point. It wasn't just the brilliance of A'ja Wilson that propelled them forward; her 'supporting cast' played a crucial role, too. Chelsea Gray and Jackie Young, veterans with three championships under their belts, combined for an incredible 49 points and 16 assists in the overtime win, showcasing their invaluable contribution to the team's success.
But here's where it gets controversial... Describing Gray and Young as a 'supporting cast' does little justice to their skills and impact. These two veterans, alongside Wilson, have formed a formidable trio, leading the Aces to their fifth championship series appearance since 2020. And this is the part most people miss: their chemistry and synergy are what make them a force to be reckoned with.
Enter Becky Hammon, one of the greatest coaches in WNBA history. Her leadership and ability to forge strong bonds with her players are key factors in the Aces' never-say-die attitude. As Wilson put it, "Becky has done tremendous things for this franchise. Her basketball mind and her ability to connect with people create a winning culture."
Gray, a future legend in the making, capped off her remarkable postseason with some impressive feats. She moved up to 7th place all-time on the Finals scoring list, and also secured 3rd place for steals in the Finals. Young, too, tied Sue Bird for the most postseason games with at least five assists in the first quarter. Together, this big three seemed unstoppable.
And yet, their journey wasn't without its challenges. Heading into the All-Star break with a 14-14 record, the Aces faced an abysmal chance of making the postseason, let alone winning the Finals. But a 53-point loss to the Minnesota Lynx in August seemed to ignite a fire within them. They went on a 16-game winning streak, motivated to end the year on a high note.
When asked about the sweetness of this championship, Gray credited the journey, with its ups and downs, as the key to their success. "There was a lot of doubt, but we believed in each other. We trusted the process, and look where it's led us!"
Wilson's confidence and leadership, which earned her the Most Valuable Player award for the fourth time and another Defensive Player of the Year honor, transformed the Aces' season. From sleepwalking through the regular season, they emerged as a powerhouse once again, climbing over the Atlanta Dream and New York Liberty to secure the 2nd seed.
But it wasn't just the big three that made the difference. Smaller moves, like signing Dana Evans and NaLyssa Smith, proved pivotal. Evans averaged an impressive 8.4 points and 2.9 assists per game, while Smith, on her way to her first championship, contributed 7.1 points, 5 rebounds, and 1 block per game. Adding Jewell Loyd, another former champion, to the bench was the icing on the cake. Her ability to spark the offense in key moments showcased the depth and talent of this Aces team.
The Finals series against the Phoenix Mercury was expected to be a closely fought battle. With both teams relatively healthy, it was a test of skill, strategy, and determination. While the Mercury had their own hardware and history, the Aces' big three of Wilson, Gray, and Young proved to be the most consistent and motivated. Unfortunately, Phoenix's Satou Sabally suffered a concussion in Game 3, sidelining her for Game 4 and the Mercury's last chance to prevent a sweep.
Las Vegas' dynasty is now officially etched in stone. Their cohesion, chemistry, and motivation have led them to three championships, and there's no sign of them slowing down. As they hoist the championship trophy, one thing is clear: this core group is far from finished dominating the WNBA.
