The Las Vegas Aces Cement Their Dynasty
4 Minute read
By: Andrea Aruino
The Las Vegas Aces once again proved their greatness winning their third ring in four years back in late September. No team in WNBA history has ever secured that many rings on a run like the Aces had, and this win cemented their legacy as one of the most dominant franchises in league history.
Before the playoffs, the Aces finished the regular season tied with the Phoenix Mercury winning 16 consecutive games where either four time Most Valuable Player and Defensive Player of the Year, A’ja Wilson or Jackie Young put up the most points, rebounds or assists. This 2025 season was a reminder of the team’s foundation whose values are built on team chemistry, adaptability, and trust.
During the Aces’ playoff run they first faced the dominant Seattle Storm in a best of three series. The two teams battled tooth and nail until the last buzzer. In game three, Wilson tied her playoff career-high of 38 points and Young sealed the game securing a rebound and a putback with 12.4 seconds left on the shot clock finishing the game 74-73.
This game advanced them to the semifinals where they faced the No. 6 seed Indiana Fever. With the series tied at two games a piece, the Aces forced a game five where they played at home. Both teams fought hard and even went into overtime where Young and Wilson combined for 67 points of the Aces total 107 points which accounted for 62.6% of the team’s scoring total this game. They finished this game off 107-98.
Finally, the Aces were up against the No. 4 ranked Phoenix Mercury in the WNBA Finals. The Aces were up two games, and game three brought everyone to their feet as it seemed Mercury was going to take their first win of the series. With five seconds left in the fourth quarter, the game was tied at 88-88. Defended by two players, Wilson rose for a mid-range and sinks it with 1.0 seconds left on the shot clock making the score 90-88. Wilson called the game and the Aces proceeded into game four 3-0 against the Mercury.
The second seed team came into game four with tenacity. By the third quarter they were up 20 points but the Mercury found their footing and rallied back cutting the lead to single digits going into the fourth but were bombarded by the Aces defense. With no answer, the Aces completed their season with a Championship ring and a sweep in the 2025 WNBA Finals.
“This one was completely different. Our first two [championships] we were probably top three the whole year, and this year, at one point we were 500. Just figuring it out and sticking together, I think it just shows you how resilient we were this season in order to become champions.” Young told Sports Center in an interview about the challenges that came with winning their most recent championship.
Wilson averaged 26.8 PPG, 10 RPG, and 3.3 RPG in the playoffs. While Wilson was a leading force in the Aces success this season, they were also stacked with veterans who understand the consistency and determination that is required to win a championship. Young and Chelsea Gray who have worked out at UPBasketball with Coach Packie Turner served as two players whose leadership and versatility turned the Aces from contenders to an unstoppable dynasty.
Courtesy | NBA Photos
In Young’s sixth season in the league, she delivered a complete performance averaging 16.5 PPG. 4.5 RPG, and 5.1 APG. These statistical lines are nothing new for Young. Her ability to read the defense and react quickly to the pace of the other team’s plays make her an indispensable aspect of the team especially in the playoffs. This postseason, Young posted her career high in points and rebounds with 20.4 PPG and 5.5 RPG, ranking second behind Wilson in scoring averages during the Aces’ playoff run.
“Let's not forget who Jackie Young is and why we've drafted her and how she's evolved into this perfect two-way player in our league and the career that she's going to have,” A’ja Wilson said in a post-game interview after advancing to the 2025 WNBA semi-finals after defeating the Seattle Storm in game three.
The 2022 WNBA Finals MVP, Gray, made sure to keep the team looking sharp while picking up in areas of need. Her experience and control of the tempo reminded everyone just why she is considered to be “The Point God.” Gray averaged 11.2 PPG and a team high of 7.3 APG this postseason. This performance began in the regular season where she dominated in finding her teammates and creating plays during fast paced runs.
Courtesy | Chris Coduto, Getty Images
Gray has grown to develop her vision, always being present but understanding what needs to be done on each play in order to facilitate strings of progressive plays. Defensively, Gray contributed 3.9 RPG and 1.4 BPG in the postseason. She frequently forced turnovers and made sure everyone knew their role and position during each possession. Just as much as Young and Wilson, Gray was the difference maker for the team in securing their third ring.
Young and Gray, who work with Coach Turner, have once again proven why they are a duo whose skills are unbeatable in a way that uplifts their teammates. Three championships in four years not only marks another banner for the city of Las Vegas but it also symbolizes the sustained excellence that this organization has given this generation.
