Wilson urges Aces to embrace the grind amid early-season struggles

The Las Vegas Aces may be synonymous with success, but the two-time WNBA champions are facing their most testing start in years. Sunday’s sold-out, nationally televised clash with Indiana at T-Mobile Arena came at a crucial time, and the Aces responded with a performance they desperately needed.

The Aces defeated the Fever as they stormed home in the four quarter. Photo - Las Vegas Aces.

Among the storylines was the emotional return of former fan favourite Sydney Colson, a two-time champion with the Aces who departed in the off-season. But centre stage belonged to two other stars.

Caitlin Clark, in form after returning from a quad strain managed 19 points and a game high 11 assists, and A’ja Wilson shot another 24 points in just her second game back after being sidelined due to concussion protocol.

Heading into the contest, Las Vegas held a 5–7 record, its worst start since the franchise’s inaugural season in the city back in 2018, Wilson’s rookie year. The slow start follows six consecutive winning seasons and a stretch of dominance that has elevated expectations across the league.

Now, with roster turnover and some early inconsistency, the Aces are navigating new territory.

“We’ve spoiled a lot of people with our greatness, and now they expect that out of us every single game,” Wilson said after the team’s recent loss to Seattle. “We’re about to get real familiar with being uncomfortable.”

Wilson takes a shot over defender Breanna Stewart. Photo - WNBA

Wilson, a three-time league MVP (2020, 2022, 2024), has played finals basketball in all but one of her seven WNBA seasons and is embracing the challenge of leading through change.

Aja won her third WNBA MVP last season whilst with the Aces. Photo - USA Today.

“I love being in unfamiliar territory,” she said pre-game. “It causes me to look at my flaws, to make my teammates step up and put me in situations that I may not be used to."

The Aces were 6–6 after 12 games last season before rattling off 10 wins from their next 11 games. For Wilson, that stretch remains a reference point.

A'ja Wilson took shots pre-game and was welcomed with huge roars from the crowd. The Fever's Caitlin Clark was shooting on the opposite end of the court.

“We do remember the start we had last year,” she said. “We have the pieces to do it again, it’s about putting it all together and playing a solid 40 minutes. I’m just grateful to be in a locker room full of phenomenal, elite women ready to get to work.”

Head coach Becky Hammon echoed that sentiment, praising Wilson’s presence and willingness to lead from the front.

Becky Hammon was full of praise for Aja in her pre-game press conference.

“When your best player is willing to get uncomfortable and grind, it sets the tone,” Hammon said in her pre-game press conference. “She’s not just a face of the league, she shows up every day with intensity and honesty. She’s a great leader for this team.”

Following the Seattle loss, Wilson’s comments about needing to “do things differently to get different results” were widely circulated, and, according to Hammon, well received within the team.

Despite the external pressure, Wilson remains composed.

Aja Wilson blocks a Lexie Hull shot attempt in their win against the Fever. Photo - Las Vegas Aces.

“Expectations have always been high on me, ever since I stepped foot here in 2018,” she said. “But I don’t see that as pressure. I see it as an opportunity to show up as myself every day, to inspire others to be themselves.”

Sunday’s victory over the Fever was timely, offering the Aces a chance to stabilise and regroup ahead of their next outing, a midweek matchup against the bottom-placed Connecticut Sun. A win there would bring Las Vegas back to a .500 record and potentially spark a mid-season surge up the standings.

A sold-out crowd in Vegas @ T-Mobile Arena were on their feet as the Aces took the W. Photo - Las Vegas Aces.

With Wilson leading the way and plenty of basketball still ahead, there’s every indication the Aces remain contenders.

“We don’t grow by being the same, we grow through change and adversity,” Wilson said.

Aja admiring a shot from a teammate. Photo - Las Vegas Aces.

“This is an opportunity for us to be a different team, to evolve, and to share that change with our fans.”