A’ja Wilson had been a constant source of inspiration for the Las Vegas Aces as the four-time MVP delivered on a nightly basis for them, winning two titles in the last three seasons. In the 2025 WNBA Finals series, though, she had support from her teammates, especially from the bench players who otherwise struggled to contribute to the game.
In Dana Evans set a unique record in Game 1 with her impact on both ends of the floor, while Game 2 belonged to starting guard Jackie Young, scoring 21 points in the third quarter. Game 3 star was Jewell Lloyd, who came off the bench and became a difference maker.
A’ja Wilson Praises Jewel Lloyd
The 32-year-old guard is famous for her ball-handling and scoring ability, and with that in mind, the Aces traded her in. But once they made it to the final, the two-time champion’s another incredible feat came into the light- her unbeaten run in the WNBA finals series. The Notre Dame guard is 9-0 in the finals and could well be on her way to clinch the third title without dropping another finals game.
Wilson was already a fan of Lloyd and, during the press conference, reflected on having her as a teammate. “I had a front row seat to a sweep in the bubble with Jewel (Loyd) with Gold Kobes on. I’m grateful that she’s now with us for sure. … I’m glad she got her A’Ones now. To be able to play alongside Jewel and to see her work is truly magical. Her record in the Finals shows the work that she’s put in,” she said, recalling the 2019 WNBA finals.
A'ja Wilson on Jewell Loyd being 9-0 in the finals
— Moreau Sports Media Prod Co. (@MoreauSportsCo) October 9, 2025
"I had a front row seat to a seat in at the bubble…with the Gold Kobe’s on….
…I’m glad she got on A’one’s now. Go get y’alls.
It’s a method to her madness….My jaw just drops (in admiration) "that’s that damn Jewell… pic.twitter.com/ZxG2FtHViQ
In Game 1, Lloyd scored 18 points, fueling the Aces’ comeback win. In Game 3, she added 16 points and collected seven rebounds in 30 minutes’ gameplay – more than a couple of the Aces starters.
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After a slow start, the six-time All-Star settled well in Becky Hammon’s system and accepted the bench role. Putting up incredible stats and leading the bench, Lloyd clearly helped the Aces overcome their only weakness for the 2025 season.
Jewell Lloyd Gets First A’ja Wilson Signature Player Edition Shoe
While the Nike A’Ones are making buzz in the market, the new PE will be up for sale quickly as the shoemakers hand out Wilson’s teammates a chance to design their own A’Ones with the 2015 rookie getting her first pair during the WNBA finals.
Her new shoe is Matrix-inspired with the green waves across the upper and taps further into the movie’s aesthetic with an all-over print scroll. Using its own code of sorts, the mix of letters that reference Jewell’s various career accolades turns into stripes of blue, yellow, and red across the entire shoe.
During Game 3, Lloyd wore her new sneakers and had a memorable game, making them even special for her. During the opening game of the series, the 29-year-old forward also had a unique choice of kicks as Wilson gives a real reason behind wearing Susie Carmichael A’Ones. Whether it’s kick or plays, the Aces are looking comfortable on the floor against the Mercury at the moment.