Becky Hammon rips ‘soft’ Aces after blowout loss to Valkyries

In a surprising turn of events during the WNBA season, the Las Vegas Aces faced a significant defeat against the Golden State Valkyries, losing 95-68 in a game that has left fans and analysts alike scratching their heads. This game marked the third-largest loss the Aces have experienced during the Becky Hammon era, a stark contrast to the high expectations surrounding the team this season.

Becky Hammon, the Aces’ head coach, expressed her frustration regarding the team’s performance, highlighting a concerning trend of mental softness that she believes played a pivotal role in the loss. “What is out there is not an Aces team we are used to seeing,” stated Chelsea Gray, an Aces player. The team, currently sitting at a 4-3 record, is now grappling with uncharted territory, having suffered their second 20-point defeat of the season.

From the outset, the Valkyries set the tone with a robust defensive strategy that proved to be a significant challenge for the Aces. With several turnovers in quick succession, including forcing A’ja Wilson, the reigning league MVP, into three turnovers in the first quarter, the Aces found themselves struggling to regain their footing. As the first half progressed, the Valkyries expanded their lead with a staggering 34-15 scoring advantage in the second quarter, ultimately leading by 21 points at halftime. This was not the first encounter for the Aces this season where they trailed significantly at halftime; they had previously encountered a similar situation against the Seattle Storm.

The underlying issues were clearly echoed by Coach Hammon, who pointed out the team’s lack of effort. “It’s us being soft mentally and letting people punk us,” she warned, emphasizing the importance of internal motivation that must come from the players themselves. Hammon underscored that she cannot coach effort, urging her players to take responsibility for their performance on the court.

A’ja Wilson’s scoring woes during the game were especially notable as she managed only eight points in the first half, ultimately finishing with 17 points on a less-than-stellar shooting performance. The Valkyries’ defensive strategy involved relentless double-teaming and pressure, a tactic that Wilson noted didn’t necessarily hinder her, but did disrupt the team’s overall cohesion. “We’ve got to do a better job as a team understanding what teams want to take away from us,” Wilson commented, highlighting the need for collective awareness and adaptability.

The Valkyries, in their inaugural season, have shown promise despite previous struggles with maintaining leads against opponents. Coach Natalie Nakase made it clear to her team that they couldn’t afford to let their guard down, even when ahead. With players like Kayla Thornton, who recorded her first 20-point double-double of her career with 22 points and 11 rebounds, the Valkyries demonstrated formidable teamwork and determination throughout the game. Veronica Burton also contributed significantly, achieving her first double-double with 14 points and 12 assists.

One of the telling aspects of the game was the stark contrast in shooting percentages. The Aces struggled with their accuracy, managing just 35.5% from the field and a dismal 24% from beyond the arc, marking their worst 3-point shooting performance of the season. In contrast, the Valkyries enjoyed a season-best shooting night, with 47.9% from the field, displaying the effectiveness of their offense against an Aces defense that seemed to falter under pressure.

Coach Hammon was candid in her assessment of the game, claiming it to be one of the worst performances she has witnessed from her team. “They outplayed us in every aspect of the game,” Hammon remarked, stressing the urgent need for the Aces to decide on their identity as a team. The inconsistency in their performances, being able to hold a team to 70 points one night only to surrender nearly 100 points the next, reveals a deeper concern that will require attention as the season progresses.

Moving forward, the Las Vegas Aces must regain their footing and come to terms with the lessons learned from this defeat. They need to reflect on Coach Hammon’s words about effort and mental resilience to bounce back stronger. The upcoming games will be a test of their character and ability to redefine themselves in the face of adversity.

As the Aces navigate through this rocky phase, one can only hope they harness their talent and rise to the occasion. They have a history of success, and it’s crucial for them to tap into that legacy, regain their competitive spirit, and strive for consistency on both ends of the court to ensure they remain a formidable opponent in the WNBA.

The focus now will be on the Aces’ ability to learn from this experience. The path forward will require not only physical skill but a mental toughness that perhaps has been lacking in recent performances. As fans, we can only await and hope to see a rejuvenated Aces team step back onto the court ready to make their mark once again.

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