The Las Vegas Aces tightened their grip on the WNBA Finals with a Game 2 win, thanks to a defensive overhaul led by A’ja Wilson and coach Becky Hammon. After a shaky Game 1, Hammon predicted a stronger defense, and Wilson delivered just that.
After Wilson joined the elite WNBA club during her Game 2 performance, the Aces superstar spilled some beans on how Becky orchestrated the defensive play in the Finals series.
A’ja Wilson Spills The Bean On Becky Hammon’s Defensive Strategy
There’s not always a pacy approach that wins you games. Sometimes, it’s the slower ones where teams control the opponent’s offensive edge with a calm demeanor. And that’s what Hammon told her girls.
During her conversation with ESPN, Wilson told Brooke Weisbrod how the Aces “slowed it down” while addressing Game 1’s defensive lapses. She emphasized patience and trust, noting how multiple adjustments were key to success.
“We just slowed it down. We were so up in arms by Game one that we just kind of slowed everything down and was patient for one another on both sides of basketball, particularly on the defensive side, and we had that trust, we’re going to need multiple layers in order for us to be successful, and I think you saw that,” she said.
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However, this adjustment curbed the Mercury’s shooting, dropping their three-point percentage from 38.9% to 17.9%, with Chelsea Gray’s blocks sealing the effort. Additionally, Hammon’s demand for precision paid off as the Aces limited Phoenix to 40.8% field goal shooting.
A’ja Wilson Performing At A Whole New Level This Season
Wilson’s Game 2 dominance left even teammate Jewell Loyd in awe. Her 28-point and 14-rebound outburst was the key for Las Vegas, which intimidated the Mercury. Against Alyssa Thomas, she turned defense into offense, sinking a clutch fadeaway despite foul trouble.
Additionally, Wilson’s 29th 20-point playoff game tied her with Breanna Stewart. As the Aces look ahead to the next game up, Wilson would have a quick runback to all the tricks that played right for her.