The Las Vegas Aces opened the 2025 WNBA preseason with a commanding 112–78 win over the Dallas Wings on Friday night at Notre Dame’s Purcell Pavilion, showcasing a renewed focus following last year’s early playoff exit.
After falling short of the WNBA Finals in 2024, the two-time league champions returned to the floor with purpose and composure, sending a message about their championship aspirations.
“It was a long offseason for us,” head coach Becky Hammon said. “I don’t think anybody felt good about the way things ended last year. So you go back, you look at areas that need to change, and you don’t forget the wounds — you let the wounds teach you.”
The Aces, who won back-to-back titles in 2022 and 2023, were eliminated in the semifinals last fall by the eventual champion New York Liberty. The result left the league’s most successful franchise of the past five seasons with a 153–55 record since 2020—but also with something to prove.
A Statement in South Bend
Las Vegas used its preseason opener to make that point clear. Behind 28 points, nine assists and five rebounds from Jackie Young, the Aces took control in the second quarter and never looked back. They outscored Dallas 32–11 in the period to build a 55–36 halftime lead.
“It started on the defensive end for us — just getting stops,” Young said. “From there we were able to push the pace and get downhill, and either finish or kick it out to teammates.”
Young, returning to her college home floor at Notre Dame, scored 16 of her 28 points in the second quarter. She was joined in the starting lineup by fellow Notre Dame alum Jewell Loyd, who scored 10 points in her Aces debut.
“I never thought I’d play here again,” Young said. “To be in front of Coach McGraw, Coach Ivey, my friends and family — it was special.”
Veteran Core, Newcomers Shine
Las Vegas shot 48.7 percent from the field (38-of-78) and 43.8 percent from three-point range (14-of-32) while committing just nine turnovers. A’ja Wilson finished with 19 points, seven rebounds, three assists, and two blocks. Chelsea Gray added 13 points and three assists, and Tiffany Mitchell scored 10. The Aces dominated the boards by out-rebounding the Wings 40–28.
Loyd, a two-time WNBA champion, was acquired in a three-team trade this offseason that sent Kelsey Plum to the Los Angeles Sparks. She brings elite scoring and playoff experience to a backcourt already anchored by Gray and Young.
“Jewell brings veteran leadership and scoring punch to a backcourt already loaded with talent,” Hammon said. “She fits exactly what we want from a high-character, high-compete player.”
Nye Emerges Off the Bench for the Aces
Rookie guard Aaliyah Nye provided a spark off the bench with 17 points in 13 minutes, going 5-for-8 from three-point range. Her performance drew high praise from Hammon, who has emphasized depth as a priority this season.
“She’s been doing it all training camp,” Hammon said. “One of the best shooters I’ve ever seen. But beyond the shooting, she’s super solid defensively. She doesn’t make a lot of mistakes, and that’s huge for a rookie.”
Deja Kelly scored nine points in the fourth quarter, helping lead the Aces’ reserves to close out the game. They took over after the starters built an 87–63 lead through three quarters.
Defense Sets the Standard
Though Las Vegas has consistently led the league in offensive efficiency, Hammon made it clear that the foundation for 2025 will be built on the other end of the floor.
“I’ve challenged them to be the best defensive team in the league,” she said. “We started getting separation when we got stops. Having individual defenders like Jackie, Jewell, Chelsea, A’ja, Kiah — we can put a really great defensive group out there that gets multiple stops.”
Gray echoed her coach’s message, pointing to the team’s effort in staying focused despite the preseason setting.
“We wanted to get the little things right,” Gray said. “We focused on making in-game adjustments, being locked in. I was really proud of how we played that second quarter.”
A Culture of Joy and Accountability
Beyond schemes and rotations, Hammon continues to preach culture—a balance of structure, selflessness, and enjoyment.
“You only get this time in your life for a split second,” she said. “To be out there, enjoy it, and really enjoy each other’s success — that’s special.”
“You don’t have to be miserable out there,” she added. “You can actually compete, have fun, and do your job at the highest level. And I think we’re getting back to that — back to the joy of playing, and making each other great.”
That tone has been consistent across the Aces’ locker room. Players and coaches alike have emphasized communication, cohesion, and accountability as the guiding principles for the upcoming season.
“When you’re building championship culture, it starts with character,” Hammon said. “You bring in people who want to play the right way. A’ja, Chelsea, Jackie, Jewell — they expect a lot from themselves and each other. That accountability in the locker room — that’s what sets us apart.”
What’s Next for the Aces?
Las Vegas will close out its two-game preseason slate on Tuesday, May 6, when the Aces host the Phoenix Mercury at Michelob ULTRA Arena. The matchup will feature “A’One Night,” a special celebration honoring A’ja Wilson’s impact as the centerpiece of the franchise. The event honors Wilson’s contributions as a three-time MVP, two-time WNBA champion, and cultural leader on and off the court.
With a veteran nucleus, emerging contributors, and clear motivation, the Aces are not simply aiming for a bounce-back season. They’re setting their sights on another championship run.
“As long as we’re committed together,” Hammon said, “I think the sky’s the limit for this team.”
