Despite A’ja Wilson’s best efforts of 42 points, the Las Vegas Aces ended on the losing side, 90-93 against the hosts. This would mark the team’s 2nd loss in the last five games. A front-runner in the MVP race, Wilson loyalists aren’t exactly happy with the teamwork and poor coaching decisions that could hinder the 2x WNBA MVP’s 2024 run. 

In their third game against the Dallas Wings this season, A’ja Wilson posted her third career 40-point game. She dominated the game throughout, making 16 of 22 shots from the field and 10 of 13 at the free-throw line. This only added to her 26.6 points and 11.9 rebounds average, which she leads the league and follows close in second respectively. This is also her best season in the league yet in both aspects. Thus, watching the rest of the Aces fall short, especially after leading the game through to the 4th quarter, criticisms weren’t to evade the players. 

“It’s shocking watching the Aces because you have A’ja Wilson who is playing some of the best basketball of her career and giving it everything each game, but the rest of her teammates don’t seem to want to match that energy and effort. Something’s gotta change,” a netizen wrote on X. 

It is quite clear that the fans wish to see Wilson in a different jersey and a different team where her efforts are matched. Aces coach Hammon is also under fire for the same reason. 

Hammon simply surrendering during the post-game conference has only further upset the spectators. “I can’t make them do it, they have to do it, what am I going to do? Pull them out,” Hammom said about the players, discussing rebounds. 

Fans berate the Aces and the coach 

In 2022, Becky Hammon decided it was time to return to where she started after being an assistant coach of the San Antonio Spurs for eight years. With her arrival, came first two consecutive championships for the Las Vegas Aces. Now two years in, Hammon’s ways don’t seem relevant to the fans anymore.  “Becky Hammon has quickly run her way out of that fantasy nba job she’s been dreaming of, I think the aces and beck will “mutually agree to part ways” at end of season,” the fan penned, suggesting an undesirable end to Aces campaign as they continue to eye a three-peat. 

Aces finished 26-10 and 34-6 in previous two campaigns while the team is already 18-12 this season. They have also slipped to the 5th in the league, 8 wins behind the top ranked Liberty. Moreover, with A’ja leading the team in scoring, rebounds, steals, and blocks, an off-season switch up for depth is what fans look towards. “Aces just not the same from the championship run. Aja been carrying the load with no help. Might need to make some changes this off season.”

In the game against the Wings, the second highest scorer for the team was Jackie Young; who was more than double the points below Wilson’s tally. Chelsea Gray was another to add double-digit score for the night and that was the most of it. Wilson also lead the team in rebounds last night alongside Young. So watching the 2X MVP carrying the weight, some more vouched for a change in the roster. “I get the Aces really like each other personally, but at some point tough bball decisions gotta be made. A’ja needs teammates that can help, not just cheer her on from the bench! #Aces.”

Wilson recorded her third 40-point performance tonight, trailing only Diana Taurasi and Breanna Stewart who have 4 each. A loss despite that, was not to sit right.“There is nothing A’ja Wilson can do more for the Aces. 42 points and a loss is insane.” 

Though another one wrote, “Everybody on this Aces team besides A’Ja Wilson should be ashamed of themselves, including the coaching staff….” Wilson remains indifferent to the criticisms. The centre has instead walked up to credit her teammates for the performance she managed to put up. “I have to credit my teammates because they got me the basketball in the right places at the right time,” she said. 

The Aces are currently 3rd in the Western Conference and still fight for a playoff spot while Lynx, Sun, and Liberty sit comfortable. Though a bit delayed, Aces have fairly good chances with 10 more games to go; 6 of them against teams ranked below them. It remains to see if the roster manages to win their fans over.