WNBA: Aces try to find balance in chase for third-straight championship

The Olympics have ended, the United States brought home gold and WNBA basketball is back. Life is good. The brief period of the WNBA’s best players being teammates to achieve a higher goal was beautiful to see, but now it’s back to the grind, and teammates are now opponents who are all going for a common goal: a WNBA championship. Are the Aces still the favorite to three-peat? Or, are recent struggles creating concern? Are the Aces still primed to make history?

Half and half

The Aces have had a bumpy resumption to the season by dropping three of their first five games, with all three losses by double digits. And an A’ja Wilson game-winner kept them from nearly dropping a fourth. Despite the bumps, the Aces have claimed two wins and remain a top-five team in the league with roughly a month left in the season.

The big question remains: Does Vegas have enough gas to make three straight rings?

GOAT talk

Photo by Ian Maule/Getty Images

The A’ja Wilson agenda remains in full gear. Every time you think the best can’t get better, they get BETTER. Amid another remarkable season, Wilson has added yet another gold medal to her repertoire and is doubling down on one of the best single seasons in basketball history, one that looks like it will be capped off with yet another M’VP and possibly a DPOY trophy. Since returning from Olympic ball, Wilson is averaging 23.4 points, 11.6 rebounds, 2.4 steals and 1.6 blocks per game, continuing to solidify her dominance and impact.

What could top a 2K Cover, a signature shoe, an Olympic gold medal, an MVP, a DPOY and a WNBA Championship in one season? We are on the verge of witnessing a possibly unprecedented season.

What’s next?

Photo by David Becker/NBAE via Getty Images

Nothing about being at a crossroads is fun, until you can say you’ve progressed past it. I think the Aces are definitely at that point this season. If there were ever a test of a season for a team looking to win three-straight championships, I would bet money that the Aces have gotten served the hardest one. Injuries, controversy and pressure have all paid a major toll on this Aces squad. I think everyone is curious to see how they close out over this next month, and how they look going into the playoffs.

Luckily, injury woes appear to be a thing of their past and their main goal now is to focus and find their synergy. With 11 games left in the season and sitting third in the Western Conference, the Aces are in a position that can define champions. Pressure either bursts pipes or makes diamonds. Do the Aces have what it takes to get their third diamond ring in a row?