“Becky Has Allowed Me to Do It”: A’ja Wilson Opens Up About Her New Role That Is Reflected in the Aces’ Recent Success

2x defending champs, the Las Vegas Aces seem to be getting their groove back. After Becky Hammon’s continuous concerns about the team’s vulnerable defense, their 3-game winning streak implies that the Aces now appear to have found the answers. However, that also means that their kingpin A’ja Wilson might also have to make some significant changes to her style of play. This fact can be traced in the 27-year-old’s comments following their 95-83 road win in Chicago.

The Las Vegas Aces supporters are witnessing Wilson bringing the ball up after defensive rebounds a lot lately. Consequently, this has brought Becky Hammon’s crew the desired results on multiple occasions. The 2023 WNBA Finals MVP reflected on this process in her post-game media address. A’ja Wilson told reporters, “I just kind of do it. Take a little pressure off my guards because they are going through it up there. Becky has allowed me to do it and when she feels like I’m not doing it, she’s going to tell me that I’m not doing it.” 

A lot has been said about the team’s defense ever since their impressive victory against the top-seeded Connecticut Sun on June 22. Wilson, who many thought was the main catalyst behind it, helped the team out-rebound the Sun with a season-best 42-29. On top of that, Connecticut was only able to convert 42% (26-of-61) of their shots from the field. This included a 5-minute stretch in the second quarter which saw not even a single field goal from their end. They followed it up with another impressive performance last night against Chicago.

She opened up about this aspect of their game post the win. Wilson said that time, “A lot of it is just wanting to do it, so I think that’s the biggest thing that switched up for us. On defense, we want to do it. We understand how valuable these games and these possessions are.” It is due to performances like this that A’ja Wilson continues to make headlines.

A’ja Wilson slays it against Chicago

The 5× WNBA All-Star keeps finding ways to prove why she is the best in the business. As it turns out she delivered her 18th 30-point game of her career and this is the 12th time this season she has crossed the 25-point mark.

In addition to this, 15 of her total 31 points of the night came in the first quarter itself. She also had 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks next to her name while shooting 10 of 19 from the field.

Many would believe that a display like this puts her in strong contention for a third consecutive WNBA Defensive Player of the Year award. Undeniably, if Aces wish to conquer their 3-peat dream, her contributions will be extremely essential. It will be worth watching what else she can bring to the table next.

Stay tuned for more such updates. And to follow what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, has to say about the infamous Shaq-Kobe feud, Caitlin Clark’s Olympic snub, and more, watch this video.