A’ja Wilson’s Team Text Sparks Aces‘ Championship Run After Mid-Season Slump
LAS VEGAS - A simple group text from Las Vegas Aces star A’ja Wilson ignited a dramatic turnaround for the team, propelling them back into championship contention after a concerning mid-season dip in performance. What began as a player-led initiative to dissect their struggles ultimately fostered a renewed sense of accountability and team cohesion, according to coach Becky Hammon and players.
The Aces, comprised of core players A’ja Wilson, Chelsea Gray, Jackie young, Kiah Stokes, and Kierstan Bell – a group drawn from past Las Vegas championship teams and new additions – experienced inconsistency throughout the season. Following a particularly damaging home loss two months ago, Wilson took the initiative, initiating a series of team text exchanges that evolved into autonomous game-planning sessions.
“They were so locked in, they were having team meetings and discussions without me being there,” Hammon said. “A’ja comes in with a laptop, they’ll kick the coaches out and do their thing, and then we come back in.”
Players began developing their own strategies, presenting them to the coaching staff for feedback. Hammon embraced the approach, noting, “A couple of their game plans, I was like, ‘Alright! I like it. It’s outside the box.’ Tell me why. They have to know their why. I’ll counter some stuff. It’s created a dialog between them I couldn’t get on my own.”
The shift in dynamic, driven by Wilson’s leadership, proved pivotal. “That’s huge from your leader to always be able to check on every single person,” Aces forward NaLyssa smith stated. ”Winning is the standard here, and without accountability, there ain’t going to be winning.”
Wilson’s proactive approach stemmed from a belief in the team’s potential,even amidst the struggles. Hammon explained that teams can either crumble under pressure or “break and reassemble even stronger.”
Jewell Loyd observed the impact of the loss and subsequent response,stating,”In that moment,you see how our character is,you see where our leadership comes from…That loss and how everybody responded revealed a lot of things beyond just basketball. It was kind of like a mirror for us that allowed us to get going.”
The Aces, initially shaken by their mid-season form, are now focused on competing for another WNBA championship, a testament to the power of player-led initiative and a four-time MVP’s commitment to team success. Wilson’s willingness to prioritize collective advancement over individual accolades resonated throughout the roster.
