🔥 Las Vegas Aces Bounce Back After Blowout Loss
The Las Vegas Aces bounce back storyline couldn’t have been more needed after a humbling 81–54 defeat to the Indiana Fever. On Sunday, the reigning WNBA champs returned to form with a strong 86–68 win over the struggling Connecticut Sun, snapping a slump and restoring their .500 record (9–9).
A’ja Wilson: “We Got Embarrassed”
Three-time MVP A’ja Wilson, who led with 19 points, didn’t hold back:
“We got embarrassed against Indiana. We didn’t want to go down that road anymore.”
She and her teammates responded with renewed energy, especially on defense — holding the Sun to just 38.1% shooting from the field.
🛡️ Defensive Identity Leads the Way
Coach Becky Hammon was pleased with how her team responded, especially after publicly calling them out for a “complete lack of professionalism” in their loss to the Fever.
“Our defense has to be there every night,” Hammon emphasized.
On Sunday, the Aces held the Sun to 28.8% from three-point range, showing focus and intensity that had been missing just days earlier.
🔄 Roster Changes and Growing Pains
Las Vegas has undergone significant roster changes in 2025. The offseason included:
- Trading Kelsey Plum to the Sparks
- Acquiring Jewell Loyd in return
- Recently trading for NaLyssa Smith, who recorded a double-double (11 pts, 10 reb) in her first start
Coach Hammon acknowledged that integrating new players has been challenging:
“We’re still developing who we are. It’s a process.”
📉 Connecticut Sun’s Historic Struggles Continue
While the Aces found relief in Sunday’s win, the Connecticut Sun dropped to 2–16, extending their franchise-worst losing streak to 10 games. Despite home-court advantage, they couldn’t match the Aces’ defensive pressure or offensive rhythm.
🔜 Aces Face Huge Test vs. Liberty
Next up: a major test against the New York Liberty, who have beaten Las Vegas in 7 of their last 8 matchups, including playoff battles.
Coach Hammon knows what’s coming:
“We’re going to need a lot of juice and energy on the defensive end… New York is a very physical, high-movement team.”
Fortunately for the Aces, stars Chelsea Gray, Jackie Young, and Wilson all played limited minutes Sunday to stay fresh for Tuesday’s showdown.
🧠Mental Edge Still Intact?
Even amid a rocky start to the season, Las Vegas remains a team others want to beat. As Hammon said:
“People still look at us a certain way… They want to kick your butt.”
That mindset might be exactly what fuels this team to regain championship form.
âť“ FAQs
Q: What was the Las Vegas Aces’ record after the win vs. the Sun?
A: 9–9, back to a .500 record.
Q: Why did the Aces struggle this season?
A: Multiple roster changes and a slow start in team chemistry.
Q: Who led the Aces in scoring against the Sun?
A: A’ja Wilson with 19 points.
Q: What’s next for the Aces?
A: A high-stakes matchup against the New York Liberty.
🔚 Conclusion
The Las Vegas Aces bounce back win over the Sun wasn’t just a victory — it was a statement. After a harsh loss and public criticism, the defending champs showed grit, pride, and potential. With stars finding their rhythm and new additions stepping up, the Aces look ready to reclaim their spot among the WNBA elite — just in time for a showdown with the Liberty.
