The Aces clinched the 2025 championship, which symbolized the Phoenix’s rise from the ashes metaphor. The team struggled right from the start of the season, but Becky Hammon made necessary adjustments to allow the side to function better in the moments that helped them to clinch their third title in four seasons.
Even though forward NaLyssa Smith praised Hammon’s perfect coaching balance in the Las Vegas Aces’ triumph, the HC put faith in her players as she challenged the doubters to ever count them out of the competition.
Becky Hammon Ready To Prove Doubters Wrong
As much as the Indiana Fever’s run till the semifinal is receiving much attention and praise, the Las Vegas Aces’ championship run deserves equal credit. While the Fever dealt with player absentees, the Aces overcame the early struggles that put them outside the championship race in the season.
During the championship parade, the experienced coach let the critics know about her feelings and trust in her team. She said, “I’m very comfortable in the underdog role… But you can’t count this group out, ever. I don’t care if we’re the No. 8-seed, 1-seed, 2-seed, whatever. You don’t want it, You don’t want it!”
"I don't care if we're the No. 8-seed, 1-seed, 2-seed whatever. You don't want it."
— espnW (@espnW) October 18, 2025
Becky Hammon on the Aces' third WNBA title in four years 🥶 pic.twitter.com/9Jc0Wte1XY
While many counted the Aces out of the championship race, the 16-game winning run late in the second half of the season and later A’ja Wilson’s MVP-estique performance led them to the title.
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Additionally, ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith called out NBA teams to take Hammon as their HC, praising the Coach’s technique and game plan for the turnaround. Though there are no such plans for the HC to make the move, she was emotional with the recent win.
Becky Hammon Gets Emotional After Clinching WNBA Championship
Nevertheless, the team had to come a long way to catch its third title. Once, a playoff team went on to become the title contender and champion in just two months, with the team delivering flawless performances in that phase.
HC got emotional with the turnaround and credited her players’ bonding for the win. “This one hits different because it was different. There was probably a lot more adversity than any of us anticipated. And at the end of the day, we’re all human. For humans who wanted to get it right, we get it right together. And they’re stuck with me. I mean, wherever they go, they’re going to be stuck with me. I just believe in who they are. And they’re phenomenal,” said Hammon.
Becky Hammon gets emotional addressing media postgame. pic.twitter.com/SijNpN0Gmf
— Khristina Williams (@Khristina) October 11, 2025
The 2023 and 2023 championship wins were also impressive ones, but the competition in recent years, combined with the team’s struggles and adjustments, makes the 2025 title even more special for the Aces.