NEW: For the first time, it appears the Las Vegas Aces won’t celebrate one of their WNBA titles with a White House visit. The team didn’t receive an invitation after winning its 3rd league title in October, a team spokesperson told me. More @USATODAY ⬇️ usatoday.com/story/sports/wn…
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A’ja Wilson went and got the birthday cake and tiara for Kate Martin herself, Becky Hammon said. “It’s incredibly thoughtful and intentional… that’s who (Wilson) is.”
Las Vegas Aces
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“I was a young girl that didn't even like the sport. I didn't want to play. Now my name's in the history books forever.“
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More on Becky Hammon not being a fan of Sandy Brondello being fired by the New York Liberty: “(Cheryl Reeve in Minnesota) should be the model. When you have a good coach, you keep the good coach. And that doesn’t mean you win every year.”
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Kelsey Plum shares an official goodbye message to the Aces via Instagram: “Now this chapter closes and our time together comes to an end, but I’ll never forget my time in Vegas, nor the profound impact it’s had on my life.”
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We have to figure out how Kierstan Bell is getting to the phone so fast after these games
A’JA WTFFFFFF WILSONNNN !!!
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Spotted in the crowd at Michelob Ultra Arena before Aces vs. Fever Game 5
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A’ja Wilson interviews Aces teammates Chelsea Gray and Jackie Young after a 15-12 loss to DiJonai Carringon and Arike Ogunbowale in the Hennessy Arena 2x2 showcase: “How’s it feel to not have $20K leaving SF?” Jackie: “Well… it’s 10 a piece…”
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That Nike ad is the Superbowl’s best commercial so far, and also happened to feature a perfect mantra for women in sports. “You can’t win. So win.” Exactly!
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Nike’s new campaign to celebrate A’ja Wilson being named the WNBA’s MVP — the first ever 4- time winner. “She is who she thinks she is.” Will also be extended to broadcast, billboards & posters in Las Vegas. nitter.app/nikebasketball/status/…
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I asked Aces head coach Becky Hammon what she meant by “black and white stuff” in her comments about Caitlin Clark. “It’s construed as some of our minority black and brown women are hating on her because she’s white and that is not the case.”
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A’ja Wilson, locked in for Game 3 of the Aces’ 1st-round WNBA playoffs series with the Seattle Storm, had her parents accept the Defensive Player of the Year award on her behalf. Of course she still made an appearance!
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Becky Hammon on Napheesa Collier winning DPOY over A'ja Wilson: I told you my thoughts. If you have to go down a rabbit hole of analytics to put somebody in the same conversation, I think you already have the answer to your question.
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Kelsey Plum on defending Courtney Williams: "She cooked me... There's really not much to say." "She had it tonight, and when you get your ass kicked, you gotta give the other people credit."
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Today’s game between the Aces and Indiana Fever marks Sydney Colson’s return to Las Vegas. Instead of answering questions, she read a statement about CBA negotiations: “I am excited to be back here, but unfortunately there are more pressing things going on in our league”
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I asked Becky Hammon about how she prepared Kate Martin for a potential start today: “Oh, man, she's ready. She knows what's coming. She's my little (Alysha Clark) out there, so she's gonna be prepared… I need her to get out there and just be who she has been.”
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A’ja Wilson reacts to the Aces losing Kate Martin to the Valkyries: “You are a gem. Now we gotta give you and (Natalie Nakase) 50.”
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Phone blowing up because ESPN did a whole SportsCenter segment from my story on A’ja Wilson’s pregame fits 😭 I love it.
The Aces have played 7 games since the Olympic break. A’ja Wilson has arrived in a white tee for 5 of them. Based on her answer when I asked about the choice, she’ll probably be in one today. On why she’s “digging in the bottom of her T-shirt drawer” ⬇️ reviewjournal.com/sports/ace…
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After becoming the fastest WNBA player to reach 5,000 career points, A’ja Wilson said she wrote on a pair of shoes for the first time she can remember and won’t wear them again. These are her new A’One PEs inspired by Princess Tiana, Disney’s first Black princess.
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Becky Hammon and her son Samuel pulled up to today’s pregame presser ahead of Aces vs. Sky in full A’ja Wilson drip. Hammon kept it short when asked about the pink wig and MIVP hoodie: “Not only do I get to have the privilege of coaching the best player, she’s the best person.”
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WE HAVE THE TRUTH: All of your theories about Kierstan Bell’s phone being hidden nearby have been debunked. She’s just that quick.
We have to figure out how Kierstan Bell is getting to the phone so fast after these games
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A’ja Wilson shares a moment with her agent, Jade-Li English, to the soundtrack of MVP chants from her home crowd. History. The first 1,000-point WNBA season.
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Fun fact: I asked A'ja Wilson about this one time because I thought she was joking with her teammates. Turns out it was shade at the refs.
“Ain’t do shit all day but want a mf picture with Usher”
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Last night in Rocklin my boyfriend, our two friends and I were pulled over at gun point and handcuffed by at least 6 Placer County sheriff deputies. We were held on suspicion of a “stolen vehicle” without ever even being asked for identification. Thread ⬇️
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This quote from Alysha Clark really stands out to me. She’s not even the first Aces player to make a call for A’ja Wilson’s excellence to be appreciated this season. History shouldn’t go unnoticed.
A’ja Wilson breaks WNBA scoring record in Aces’ win over Fever lvrj.com/post/3167715 via @reviewjournal
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Some updates: -Becky Hammon said pregame that Cheryl Reeve "did not tell a lie," in her WNBA officiating critiques -The same officials that Reeve accused the league of "malpractice" for assigning to Game 3 of Lynx-Mercury will work today's Game 4 between the Aces & Fever
Replying to @Callie__Fin
Here's yesterday's story on how Cheryl Reeve's frustrations with WNBA officiating mirror Becky Hammon's⬇️ lvrj.com/post/3466675
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From Aces practice: The team serenaded rookies Dyaisha Fair and Kate Martin with presented them with balloons to celebrate their graduations. Also gave new mom Chelsea Gray flowers for Mother’s day!
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We are 16 months removed from the WNBA saying it is investigating the Las Vegas Aces for the $100K sponsorships that players are now receiving for a second year from the LVCVA. Cathy Engelbert did not provide a status update on the probe.
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Been in Columbia for about an hour, and everyone I’ve met has a story about A’ja Wilson. Uber driver says she grew up with A’ja’s mom and is in awe of her statue The hotel desk clerk says his sister often brags that she and A’ja are both AKAs. “She’s kind of a legend out here”
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Becky Hammon on this rookie class: "They're super fun to watch, and they jaw at each other. " She noted that while people single out Angel Reese, "No one talks more crap than Caitlin (Clark)"
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Birthday crown ☑️ A’One chain ☑️ A’ja Wilson boogeyman T-shirt ☑️ Roscoe Wilson definitely represented for his daughter tonight 🎉
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Some interesting notes about A’ja Wilson’s new signature logo from Nike! She has always drawn a star in her signature, and it’s a nod to her being a diamond in rough — a star on and off the court.
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One postgame nugget: It looked like a few of A’ja Wilson’s best friends tried to surprise her at tonight’s Aces game in honor of her birthday, but she’s apparently too observant
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Oh man. Here’s Sydney Colson on the moment after A’ja Wilson’s late-game injury against the Sun, plus her reaction to being compared to an MLB closer:
Wait, Callie, can we see a clip of this exchange? Haha
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Resounding boos here at Michelob Ultra Arena ahead of Aces vs. Fever Game 5 as WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert makes her regular appearance on the jumbotron to deliver the fan code of conduct address:
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This morning in women’s basketball, all before Final Four games have even had a chance to spice things up: - Cheyenne Parker-Tyus pregnancy news - Elena Delle Donne retirement news - Allisha Gray engagement news - Diana Taurasi docuseries news Am I missing anything?
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Candace Parker was not only the WNBA’s unanimous Rookie of the Year in 2008, but is still the only player to win ROY & MVP in the same season.
Caitlin Clark’s WNBA Rookie of the Year award was one vote away from being unanimous. The league’s list of unanimous winners includes Aliyah Boston (2023), A’ja Wilson (2018), Elena Delle Donne (2013) and Tina Charles (2010).
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“There’s days when I hate being A’ja Wilson,” is something to really digest. Especially because she makes greatness look so easy. Dope get a glimpse into the locker room, even cooler to see newcomer Queen Egbo get that type of recognition from the MVP.
"When I come into work and I see y'all, it changes my whole outlook on life, so I am so so so appreciative for y'all ... I'm nothing without y'all and I'm so grateful. Thank you so much and I appreciate y'all. Never change." — @_ajawilson22
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Kendra Andrews just said on ESPN’s WNBA free agency special that the Golden State Valkyries made an unsuccessful play at Kelsey Plum. She added the team is now in an “acceptance phase,” having failed to attract any major fee agents.
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2022 WNBA Finals MVP 🤝 First ever Unrivaled Finals MVP. Chelsea Gray with another reminder she heard the noise as she worked back from injury with the Aces last season: “Keep that same energy… I got the receipts who's talking s—”
Edgar Great
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Today's Aces at Sky game marks the first time Becky Hammon and Teresa Weatherspoon will meet as WNBA head coaches. I asked the former teammates to share their favorite memories of each other. On their bond, which "some people might not understand." ⬇️ reviewjournal.com/sports/ace…
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BREAKING: A’ja Wilson has been keeping her signature shoe deal under wraps for over a year. She’s the first Black WNBA player to get her own shoe since 2010. She talked to @reviewjournal about her decision to control the narrative ⬇️ reviewjournal.com/sports/ace…
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A special fan will watch Kate Martin & Caitlin Clark tonight. Bailey Lux, 14, has a rare form of cancer. The Make-A-Wish Foundation helped her travel from Iowa for the “spirit-lifting” trip Clark told me it “puts basketball and life into perspective.” ⬇️ reviewjournal.com/sports/ace…
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Embattled WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert will still address the media an hour ahead of Game 1 of the Aces-Mercury WNBA Finals on Friday at Michelob Ultra Arena, I'm told.
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A’ja Wilson said on Dawn Staley’s statue unveiling: “It's amazing. I hate that I'm missing it, but obviously I know she would cuss me out if I was there, not at training camp…. It truly just speaks volumes to who she is and what she's done for that whole city of Columbia, the state of South Carolina, women's basketball. It’s deserving. I'm so happy that she finally gets it. I hope that it looks good. I know if it's anything with her, it's gonna look great. I'm grateful to be standing with her.”
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Standing ovation for A’ja Wilson, the Aces’ new all-time leading scorer. She had 28 points tonight, overtaking Sophia Young-Malcolm’s previous franchise record of 4,300 points. Young-Malcom was in attendance for the alumni celebration. They hugged on the court postgame.
Umm... A'ja Wilson is 3-for-3 from the 3-point line!
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NEWS: The entire Aces roster (except for Megan Gustafson) will be available for exit interviews between today and tomorrow via zoom, per the team.
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I will not be surprised if Aaliyah Nye shoots her way onto the Aces' roster
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The Sun’s broadcast team compared Sydney Colson to an MLB closer tonight, joking that she needs her own walk up music. Postgame, Colson said she’s never heard that comparison but she likes it. Added that she used to like a show on TNT called The Closer #journalism
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I asked A’ja Wilson about setting the WNBA’s new record for rebounds in a season. Wasn’t surprised by her answer, but Becky Hammon and Kelsey Plum always surprise me lol.
KT ⁶𓅓
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Dyaisha Fair has entered the game for her WNBA debut! We can officially say the top 4 women's NCAA scorers all played on the same court tonight.
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Seeing Cheyenne Parker-Tyus check in for the Aces for the first time, just a few months removed from giving birth, then watching Jackie Young will that ball to her for her first bucket... that was special. Women are incredible.
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Tiffany Hayes, who previously said she would be playing for the Aces if she returned for another season, is exploring her options as an unrestricted free agent. She took her first meeting today, sources told @reviewjournal
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The Aces just played a tribute video for former assistant Natalie Nakase, also recognized Kate Martin and Tiffany Hayes as they warmed up
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Here’s that answer from Kiah Stokes. A reminder that athletes are people, too. “It’s really hard to feel good about yourself when you have people just tearing you down… there’s so much more to a basketball team than just the players on the court.”
would later open up to @CallieJLaw about the nasty side of social media and how it affected her, as well as the lack of understanding people had about her role & how she impacts the team even when she isn't on the floor. really cool to hear her speak on that.
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Caitlin Clark’s WNBA Rookie of the Year award was one vote away from being unanimous. The league’s list of unanimous winners includes Aliyah Boston (2023), A’ja Wilson (2018), Elena Delle Donne (2013) and Tina Charles (2010).
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Can confirm that Sydney Colson is signing with the Fever. I’m told she’s excited about how she’ll be utilized there and to play w/ Kelsey Mitchell, a good friend of hers. From the young core (CC, AB, Lexie) to DeWanna Bonner and Natasha Howard, the overall roster stood out.
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BREAKING: Cheyenne Parker-Tyus has signed with the Las Vegas Aces. The deal was done last night, and now shows on WNBA transactions
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Here’s A’ja Wilson’s entire jersey retirement speech transcribed, in case anyone wants to cry again:
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BREAKING: The Aces have finalized a deal to sign free agent Tiffany Mitchell, sources tell @reviewjournal The veteran guard played for the Sun last season. Will be another depth guard to pair with Dana Evans.
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Becky Hammon and her son Samuel pulled up to today’s pregame presser ahead of Aces vs. Sky in full A’ja Wilson drip. Hammon kept it short when asked about the pink wig and MIVP hoodie: “Not only do I get to have the privilege of coaching the best player, she’s the best person.”
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Kelsey Plum on the second question of her postgame interview tonight in Indianapolis: “Not disrespectful, but we have competitors. That’s what I meant.”
Replying to @Callie__Fin
I also mentioned "we have good players," but that's going to have to be a clip lol
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WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert, when asked if she actually said players should be on their knees thanking her: "I'm a human, too. I have a family... It's obviously been a tough week, and I just think there's a lot of inaccuracy out there."
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Major development on the Aces’ injury report for tomorrow at Phoenix Mercury: Chelsea Gray has been updated to QUESTIONABLE. Kierstan Bell is still out.
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BREAKING: Aces get $100K LVCVA sponsorships again despite WNBA probe. “I’m not looking to cause more of an issue, and it doesn’t seem like there’s an issue there. So we’re just moving forward,” Steve Hill told @reviewjournal More: lvrj.com/post/3380436
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Becky Hammon also gave a lengthy explanation on why the play that saw Alyssa Thomas and Napheesa Collier collide should have been a foul on Thomas, using an NFL wide receiver analogy. "You're not allowed to run through a player. Even if it was incidental, it was not marginal."
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Becky Hammon says A’ja Wilson has a wrist sprain and “nothing’s broken.” There’s no timeline yet for her return.
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Aces head coach Becky Hammon says Jackie Young will be a game-time decision, as she’s not feeling well. If Young can’t go, Hammon says Kate Martin will start. It’s the rookie guard’s birthday today.
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Can someone in the building at Unrivaled PLEASE share what Skylar Diggins-Smith was yelling to the crowd after that game-winner? That was electric.
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Getting closer to Vegas vs. Sparks. This matchup comes on the heels of Dearica Hamby’s federal lawsuit against the Aces and the WNBA. Will thread some pregame stuff below ⬇️
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LINEUP CHANGE: Aces point guard Chelsea Gray will return to the starting lineup tonight, Becky Hammon said.
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Here’s a first look at the bottles Gatorade is dropping to celebrate A’ja Wilson becoming the fastest player to reach 5,000 career points. Only 5,000 of the bottles, designed in collaboration with A’ja, will be released.
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After the Deja Kelly takeover last night, I asked Becky Hammon how she approaches decision-making with so much to evaluate from the Aces’ newcomers. “This is absolutely my least favorite part of the job… I’d like to keep all of them. It’s just not doable.”
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UPDATE: A’ja Wilson has just been ruled OUT for today’s Aces at Liberty game with a lower right leg injury.
The Aces didn’t report any injuries for tomorrow’s game against the Liberty. This means A’ja Wilson is available after sustaining a late-game injury against the Sun. But Becky Hammon said postgame that she’d be having a conversation with Wilson about rest.
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Never imagined I'd hear broadcasters repeatedly say "Stud Budz" on an official WNBA stream
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Rookie Harmoni Turner was the last player to leave the court today. Last year, that was almost always Kelsey Plum. Turner was a member of Plum’s Dawg Class this month, which aims to help top guards with the transition between college and pro hoops.
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Really excited to announce that today is my first day as the Las Vegas Aces and UNLV sports reporter for the Las Vegas Review-Journal! This is a dream job for me and I’m so grateful for the opportunity. I’m hitting the ground running, so stay tuned for training camp updates.
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I can confirm that the Aces have expressed interest in veteran forward Cheyenne Parker-Tyus, an unrestricted free agent who most recently played for the Atlanta Dream. I'm told she turned down a meeting with another team because of her preference for the Aces.
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Becky Hammon on A'ja Wilson: "She tweaked her ankle a little bit there, I think everyone saw it on TV." Said MRI and imaging didn't show any major issues and the boot is precautionary. They will check in on her status for Wednesday against the Fever.
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Training camp content! While I wait for the Aces’ Day 3 media availability, here’s a thread of some A’ja Wilson comments from Day 2. I’ll start with her description of the offseason in one word: “busy.”
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Hate to see this story getting taken out of context. A’ja Wilson was talking about the tone of the locker room, not the talent. Even went on to say that she’s since spoken to Chelsea Gray and Jackie Young about how they can be better leaders for next season.
NEW: It’s *really* hard to three-peat. I talked to A’ja Wilson about why it didn’t work for the Aces, and how she plans to adapt. Also got her thoughts on some of the biggest changes the team has faced so far ⬇️ lvrj.com/post/3283941 for @reviewjournal
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Late post but the Aces hosted the Indiana Fever for practice at their Las Vegas headquarters today. I think the visiting team would usually be able to use Michelob Ultra Arena, but the venue was booked for a K-pop concert tonight.
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Aces’ injury report for tomorrow vs. the Minnesota Lynx: Chelsea Gray, OUT, lower left leg Kierstan Bell, OUT, lower right leg Jackie Young is back.
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Injury report: Chelsea Gray, OUT, lower left leg Chelsea Gray:
Anotha one for Tha #POINTGAWDDDDD @cgray209 // #ALLINLV
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The Aces didn’t report any injuries for tomorrow’s game against the Liberty. This means A’ja Wilson is available after sustaining a late-game injury against the Sun. But Becky Hammon said postgame that she’d be having a conversation with Wilson about rest.
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No surprise here: Liz Kitley has officially signed her rookie scale contract with the Aces, per WNBA transactions. The 6’6 center from Virginia Tech was selected with the Aces’ 24th pick in 2024. She wasn’t paid last season as she recovered from an ACL injury in Las Vegas.
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....This is why I just sit here and mind my business when you guys get to talking about A'ja Wilson and that unanimous MVP. There should be no question.
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It's halftime, the Aces are up 20, and Crime Mob is performing. A'ja Wilson is somewhere smiling.
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Team USA presents A’ja Wilson, Jackie Young, Chelsea Gray and Jewell Loyd with their commemorative Olympic rings before their home opener against the Mystics:
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Notes from the Aces’ HQ: -Becky Hammon gave them two days off after their last game, they practiced Sat, Sun. Came back today and impressed her w/the energy level. - Cheyenne Parker-Tyus has been getting integrated since they came back, today was her first full court action.
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It’s Pride Night as the Aces host the Mystics in their last home game before a five-game road trip, perfect timing for A’ja Wilson to bring her annual cake! Lots of subtle details here from “Ally A” 😂 (via elizabethkitley/IG)
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Dana Evans and DeWanna Bonner? WNBA Finals smoke
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NEWS: The Aces are now the sole defendant in Dearica Hamby’s federal discrimination lawsuit. All of her claims against the WNBA were dismissed, but her former team will have to face at least two of her allegations ⬇️ lvrj.com/post/3370753 for @reviewjournal
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TL’s sleep so: tonight was the end of my regular season Aces coverage! I’m taking a week off to get married. I still have a few Aces and Rebels stories that I’ll share tomorrow. But other than that, @DannyWebster21 has you covered while I’m out.
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Team USA will present A’ja Wilson, Chelsea Gray, Jackie Young and Jewell Loyd with commemorative Olympic rings ahead of the Aces’ home opener vs. the Mystics Friday. Wilson and Gray’s reactions to being asked about the honor at today’s practice were gold:
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I feel like people are taking “the black and white thing” out of context. I’m almost positive Becky Hammon is speaking to the idea that black women in the W have some sort of extra animosity towards Caitlin Clark.
Aces head coach Becky Hammon erupts at practice today on the negativity surrounding Caitlin Clark. "There's no hate. Our league loves her. We're just doing our job." "Even the black and white thing knock it off. It's not there." #WNBA @FOX5Vegas
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Another development for the Aces: Queen Egbo has signed a training camp contract after joining the team as a late-season signee last season
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Breaking: WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert is NOT wearing her New York skyline dress for the Liberty’s championship ring ceremony
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Aces head coach Becky Hammon just asked a reporter to repeat a question solely because she wanted to hear his Irish accent again. Then she told him "cheers mate," after answering 😂 This team is very hilarious.
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