Not many would have expected the result coming out of the fixture between the Aces and the Sparks. Given the fact that the visitors were on a 6-game winning streak and the home team had lost their last 8 games, the outcome on Friday evening just goes to showcase the tremendous character of the 3x WNBA champions. However, does that also pose some questions about the lack of efforts on the part of back-to-back champions? Well, a conclusion can be drawn in that sense according to the latest comments of their superstar A’ja Wilson.

The 13,840 present at the Crypto.com Arena had their money’s worth when they witnessed the hosts secure an overtime thriller. Despite A’ja Wilson scoring a monstrous double-double comprising 35 points and 12 rebounds, the Aces couldn’t hold on to their nerves in the closing moments of the fixture. Following this, A’ja Wilson reflected on one particular aspect that might have been the deciding factor between the two. Wilson said in the postgame presser, “I think it’s honestly a try-hard factor. They just came out and wanted it more than us essentially and we just didn’t get the job done.” 

The opening quarter ended with the Aces having a 3-point lead. Anyhow, the situation changed drastically when the hosts went on a 25-12 run in the next one. Although, they tried to make their way back into the contest in the penultimate quarter, the slump in overtime eventually cost them the game.

Addressing what the squad needs to do better, A’ja Wilson further added, “We gotta come out the first five minutes. We gotta own it because the team that we’re playing against they’re gonna probably have their best game. It is what it is. It’s on us. So, we’re gonna take this loss and we’re gonna go and learn from it and grow from it.” 

The fans would be hoping they do that soon enough as another underdog team is waiting for them.

Who are the next opponents waiting for A’ja Wilson and Co.?

The Aces will be hosting the Dallas Wings on their home turf next. This clash is expected to take place at the Michelob ULTRA Arena. The Wings are fresh off snapping their 3-game skid with a win against Atlanta. Still, the squad is suffering from multiple injury problems that involve the likes of Maddy Siegrist, Satou Sabally, and Jaelyn Brown.

As for the Aces, they may be down but not out. Apparently, they will be heavily relying on the services of A’ja Wilson, Kelsey Plum, and Jackie Young. The expectations will be slightly higher for Wilson as she sits at the summit in terms of overall scoring in the league (26.9 p.p.g).

The 2xWNBA champions may have entered the contest as favorites. Still, they wouldn’t want to take anything for granted as the visitors might have some tricks up their sleeves. The fans will however expect a high-octane clash between the two franchises.

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.