We are officially one week away from Las Vegas Aces basketball, a tip off from igniting what could be another run that further cements the Aces as one of the most dangerous basketball dynasties of the modern era.
The core is still intact, the final roster cuts are occurring and the Aces seem primed to make a run at what could be the first three-peat since the Houston Comets won four-straight titles to kick off the WNBA (1997-2000). Is the Aces formula strong enough to make more magic?
Why the Aces will three-peat
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The Aces are healthy, the core is intact and they have plenty of steam to keep their momentum going. They have the chip on their shoulder needed to defy the odds, and they’re arguably just too damn good with an amazing amount of chemistry.
A’ja Wilson is coming off of a season where many thought she was snubbed for the league MVP, although she did win the Finals MVP. She likely has some extra motivation as she seeks to add a third regular season MVP to her already massive collection of hardware.
Chelsea Gray is set to return to the hardwood after her season came to an unfortunate halt during the Finals due to a foot injury suffered in Game 3. Despite adding another championship to her resume, anyone who knows Gray knows she values nothing more than being able to play the game. With a chance to make league history by winning a third-straight title, in addition to claiming her fourth championship ring, expect a hungry season from Gray.
Why the three-peat will be a challenge
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The more you win, the bigger the target on your back becomes. A win is a win, but a win versus the top dog always comes with a dash of added gratification—and every opposing team will want that feeling this season. Throughout this season, Vegas will have to deal with all opponents treating every game against them like a championship match. And while it will be a tiring task, it is also one the team has grown accustomed to.
Everything will be under a microscope. The Aces have set a standard of greatness, and while it has been amazing to watch, it has also become expected. So anything less than everything can feel like a disappointment. It can be tiring and stressful when every mistake is compared to prior results and performances. But there is no doubt the team can pick back up where they left off without missing a beat because that is what champions do.
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Overall, this season will be fun and rewarding, but it will also come with extreme difficulty. The Aces can etch their name in history—and the objective of 11 other teams is to prevent that from happening. A’ja Wilson has a chance at MVP redemption, Chelsea Gray is back on the hardwood, and the squad has a shot to capture the first three-peat in the WNBA since the turn of the century. If there’s a team that can do it, it’s this one.