(Photo : Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)) LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JUNE 07: Kelsey Plum #10 of the Las Vegas Aces is helped up from the court docket by (L-R) Kate Martin #20, Megan Gustafson #17, Kiah Stokes #41 and Jackie Young #0 after Plum hit a shot and drew a foul towards the Seattle Storm within the second quarter of their sport at Michelob ULTRA Arena on June 07, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Storm defeated the Aces 78-65. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or utilizing this {photograph}, User is consenting to the phrases and situations of the Getty Images License Agreement.
The Las Vegas Aces fell to 5-4 this weekend, choosing up two losses to the Los Angeles Sparks and the Seattle Storm.
The group that when had its foot promptly on the throat of many groups across the league final season has struggled to seek out consistency through the early a part of this season.
Considering that they’re solely 9 video games into the season, and primarily based on how A’ja Wilson is enjoying, the Aces nonetheless have loads of time to show it round. However, with how some issues are shaping up across the league, we might lastly be seeing some cracks within the basis, placing their dynasty in jeopardy.
RELATED ARTICLE: Caitlin Clark Breaks Silence on Missing Out on Team USA’s 2024 Olympics Roster
Injuries Woes in Vegas?
In the final couple of years, the Aces’ core 4 of Kelsey Plum, Jackie Young, A’ja Wilson and Chelsea Gray have all managed to keep away from vital accidents, which has drastically aided their championship aspirations over the previous few seasons.
But now they’re struggling early out of the gate with out considered one of their key items.
All-Star Chelsea Gray, who suffered a decrease leg damage in Game 3 of the 2023 WNBA Finals towards the New York Liberty, remains to be out for the Aces.
Jackie Young has even battled an sickness this weekend, lacking the Aces sport towards the Sparks.
Gray has been a monumental a part of the Aces success over the previous few seasons. Last season alone she appeared like their second finest participant, posting 15.6 factors, 4.0 rebounds, and seven.3 assists per sport.
Without her it is laborious to think about Las Vegas competing for a 3rd championship, because the Aces have to get again to full energy.
Parity Problem
(Photo : (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images))
The Las Vegas Aces have benefited from an absolute parity across the league.
Las Vegas was in a position to coast to the WNBA Finals final season, nonetheless, issues are drastically totally different this 12 months.
They have already got their fourth loss on the season, all however one coming from the Western Conference foes.
Their losses over the weekend got here from the Storm who’re amid a six-game successful streak and the Sparks, who’re 4-7, having shocked many thus far this season.
The Aces are set to play the (6-2) Minnesota Lynx, who’ve discovered life with Napheesa Collier enjoying at such a excessive degree. This will then be adopted by a match with the Mercury on June thirteenth, who have already got a victory over the Aces.
It’s evident that groups across the league are rather a lot higher this 12 months, and the Aces must step up in the event that they hope to compete this season.
A’ja Wilson’s Legendary Run
Wilson had 31 factors within the Ace’s matchup towards the Sparks. However, her efficiency was not sufficient for them to defeat LA.
Despite the losses, A’ja Wilson has appeared very spectacular all through the season.
Wilson has scored 20 or extra factors in 14 of the Aces’ final common season video games, courting again to final 12 months.
She is presently averaging 28.3 factors and 11.8 rebounds per sport this season.
© Copyright 2024 Sports World News, a property of HNGN, Inc. All rights reserved. Do not reproduce with out permission.
