Las Vegas Aces struggle despite individual milestones

What has been the issue the Aces are struggling with? According to head coach Becky Hammon, the challenge this season has been finding a full 40 minutes. Since their first week of play, Hammon highlighted continuously that they need to improve their full 40-minute game stretch if they want to succeed this season, and potentially make the playoffs. However, the full 40 minutes is “like finding a damn unicorn.”

As the WNBA entered the 2025 WNBA All-Star break, the Las Vegas Aces continued to work hard to improve their record and clean their game. However, amid the subpar results, there was something to celebrate for the team, as multiple players hit major milestones.

A’ja Wilson now has the fourth-most 30+ point games in WNBA history after her 37-point game against the Dallas Wings. Dana Evans hit 1,000 career points against the Golden State Valkyries. Kiah Stokes is fifth in franchise history for most blocks. NaLyssa Smith hit 1,500 career points. Chelsea Gray became the fastest and youngest player to reach 4,000 points, 1,700 assists, 1,000 rebounds, 400 steals, and 100 blocks.

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Despite the accolades, the Aces are just 1-2 since returning from the All-Star break. Their first game back after the break on July 22 resulted in a win against the Atlanta Dream. Wilson’s 24 points led the Aces to the 87-72 victory, with Evans and her 14 points playing a pivotal role in the second quarter. 

“[Evans] was certainly a little spark for us,” Hammon told reporters after their win over the Dream. “We were kind of floundering offensively, and she just kind of took that two-minute, three-minute stretch to just take over the game. I’ve been constantly on her. I think she’s a super-skilled scorer.” 

The joy of potential rejuvenation that the win carried was cut short as the Aces began their road trip against the Indiana Fever. While the Aces took charge in the first half,  ending the second quarter up 41-35, Natasha Howard’s layup just 9:07 into the third quarter was the turning point, where the Fever picked up momentum and took the game for themselves.

“They got aggressive in the second half,” Jackie Young told reporters after the game. “We were on our heels a little bit, we turned the ball over, we didn’t turn them over.” 

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The Aces went on to lose in their second game of the road stretch, falling 109-78 against the Minnesota Lynx on Friday. The lackluster performance puts the Aces at 12-13 on the season and eighth in the standings. 

“The defense was atrocious,” Hammon said after the game. ‘It’s just atrocious.”

When asked about their defense, Hammon shared that the biggest issue was a lack of communication and their inability to keep a scheme. 

“The ‘my bads’ add up,” Hammon told reporters. 

Communication and effort have been the biggest issues for the Aces. Whenever the Aces lose what was considered a winnable game, Hammon pointed out the lack of effort from the team and the lack of communication, just like she did against the Lynx. 

With the WNBA trade deadline coming up quickly on Aug. 7, the Aces may seek a change to bolster the roster and improve the team’s performance in the second half of the season. Smith, acquired via a midseason trade, has become a critical part of the lineup. While she has added value, her increased importance has left the bench more vulnerable.  

While the Aces continue their battle to secure a playoff spot, there is a silver lining. With these milestones, the Aces are showing improvement and development. That continued development, combined with the potential to make more roster moves, could be all the Aces need to find their stride as the end of the season nears.

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