Las Vegas Aces star A'ja Wilson didn't mince words when describing her team's recent performance against the Indiana Fever. The former league champions suffered a stunning 81-54 defeat at the hands of the Fever, a team that was without its star rookie, Caitlin Clark. Wilson admitted that the Aces were "embarrassed" by the loss.
Wilson's candid assessment came after the Aces bounced back with a dominant 86-68 victory over the Connecticut Sun on Sunday. The three-time WNBA MVP led the charge in that game, scoring 19 points on an efficient 8-of-10 shooting, along with three rebounds, two steals, and four blocks in just 24 minutes of play.
Despite the win, Wilson couldn't shake off the memory of the previous loss. Speaking to reporters, she stated, "I mean, we got embarrassed against Indiana. We understood that we didn't want to go down that road anymore. We get tired of being in that space". She emphasized the importance of rediscovering their joy for the game, particularly on the defensive end, stating that getting stops is what fuels their momentum.
The loss to the Fever served as a wake-up call for Wilson and her teammates. The Aces used that embarrassment as motivation against the Sun, ensuring that they wouldn't repeat the same mistakes. As Wilson said, they were utterly embarrassed by a shorthanded Indiana side.
Aces coach Becky Hammon was even more critical of the team's performance against the Fever, calling it "one of the worst performances I've ever seen". She expressed her disappointment in the team's lack of professionalism and effort, especially considering the large crowd in attendance. Hammon went on to say that it was the worst offensive night she had witnessed in her four years with the team.
Several factors contributed to the Aces' struggles against the Fever. The Fever's defense stifled the Aces' offense, holding them to a mere 54 points. Las Vegas shot only 26% from the field, while Indiana executed their game plan effectively. The Fever's strong team play, characterized by crisp passes and defensive intensity, further exposed the Aces' weaknesses.
Looking ahead, the Aces face a tough challenge as they prepare to battle Breanna Stewart and the defending champions, the New York Liberty, in Brooklyn on Tuesday. Wilson and her team will need to carry the momentum from their win against the Sun and address the issues that plagued them in the loss to the Fever.
