Becky Hammon Details ‘Vulnerable’ Aces Despite Taking WNBA Finals Game 1 vs Mercury

In addition to the Aces’ defensive vulnerabilities, the Phoenix Mercury also made some really tough shots. Talking about the same, Coach Hammon said, “Even some of the shots they hit, they hit some tough ones, and you just got to weather those storms. But there’s definitely things that we know we can do better.” 

The Las Vegas Aces’ season has been defined by making adjustments throughout the season. Everyone’s well aware of the way they started this season. But after an inspiring message from A’ja Wilson and some Becky Hammon’s coaching brilliance, they were able to flip the script and are now competing for their third championship. While in Game 1, they were able to correct the defensive flaws; it is important that they don’t start this way in Game 2. But knowing the championship DNA of the Aces and Becky Hammon’s ability to rally the troops, there shouldn’t be a problem.

In fact, in a typically Becky Hammon style, she has already made a prediction for the next game. When a reporter asked her for a prediction for Game 2, Becky said, “I predict our defense will be better.” While it remains to be seen if they can improve their defense in Game 2, with the way their bench performed in Game 1, there will be no improvements demanded from them. The only thing that they’ll be demanded of them is to repeat their Game 1 output.

Las Vegas Aces’ Depth on Full Display in Game 1

In the semifinals against the Indiana Fever, whenever A’ja Wilson had a poor game, some other starter (mainly Jackie Young or Chelsea Gray) led the team to victory. However, this time around, it wasn’t them but the players coming off the bench. It was because of their bench performance that the Aces were able to come off with a win despite shooting poorly than the Phoenix Mercury. The Las Vegas Aces’ bench outscored the Phoenix Mercury’s bench 41-16.

The leading scorer from the bench was Dana Evans , who ended the game with 21 points on an 8-13 (5-6 from beyond the arc) shooting night. But she wasn’t alone. Jewell Loyd also had a monster game off the bench. She ended the night with 18 points on an 8-16 shooting night. Their contributions and A’ja Wilson’s 21-point and 10-rebound double-double were enough to negate their poor shooting and off games from Jackie Young and Chelsea Gray.

Getting this level of contributions from the bench is exactly what makes the Las Vegas Aces so scary to face. Their roster consists of five Olympians, and when one or even two of them have an off night, there is always someone to cover for them. Will this trend continue in the rest of the series? Or will the Phoenix Mercury find a way to make a comeback? Find out in Game 2 on October 6.