Las Vegas Aces: The New Kids on the Block in the WNBA

Introduction

In 2022, the highly anticipated Las Vegas Aces franchise entered the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA), adding a new chapter to the league's history. The Aces quickly became a force to be reckoned with, making their mark on the competitive WNBA landscape.

History and Ownership

The Aces are owned by MGM Resorts International and Mark Davis, owner of the Las Vegas Raiders. The franchise was originally established as the San Antonio Stars in 1997 and relocated to Las Vegas in 2018, bringing the WNBA back to Nevada after the departure of the Las Vegas Silver Stars in 2010.

Becky Hammon Era

Becky Hammon, a former WNBA All-Star and assistant coach for the San Antonio Spurs, was appointed as the Aces' first head coach. She brought her wealth of experience and coaching acumen to the team, leading them to immediate success.

Team Success and Accomplishments

The Aces have quickly established themselves as a top team in the WNBA. In their inaugural season, they finished with a 22-12 record, earning the No. 3 seed in the playoffs. They advanced to the semifinals, where they ultimately fell to the Chicago Sky, the eventual WNBA champions.

The 2022 season was even more successful for the Aces. They finished with a league-best 26-10 record, securing the No. 1 seed in the playoffs. They cruised through the postseason, sweeping the Seattle Storm, Minnesota Lynx, and Connecticut Sun to claim their first WNBA championship in franchise history.

Key Players and Coaching Staff

A'ja Wilson

A'ja Wilson, the 2022 WNBA Most Valuable Player, is the cornerstone of the Aces' success. She is a dominant force in the paint, averaging 19.5 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks per game in the 2022 regular season.

Kelsey Plum

Kelsey Plum, the 2022 Sixth Woman of the Year, provides a spark off the bench for the Aces. She is a dynamic scorer and playmaker, averaging 14.8 points and 4.4 assists per game in the 2022 regular season.

Jackie Young

Jackie Young, the 2022 Most Improved Player, is a rising star for the Aces. She is a versatile guard who can score, rebound, and defend at a high level, averaging 17.2 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game in the 2022 regular season.

Becky Hammon

Becky Hammon has been instrumental in the Aces' success. Her leadership, strategic mind, and ability to motivate her players have played a crucial role in the team's rise to the top of the WNBA.

Las Vegas Aces: The Future is Bright

The Las Vegas Aces have quickly become a powerhouse in the WNBA. With a talented roster led by A'ja Wilson, Kelsey Plum, and Jackie Young, and the guidance of Becky Hammon, the Aces are poised to continue their success for years to come. The future is bright for this young franchise as they aim to add more WNBA championships to their trophy case.