The Las Vegas Aces were once a top contender for the championship ring. Not long ago, it was just the time of the 2025 WNBA season. So far, so good, the Aces have had a bumpy ride in the 2025 WNBA season, sitting at 15-14 and clinging to seventh place in the standings.
After losing key players in Kelsey Plum, Kate Martin, and Alysha Clark in the offseason to injuries, the team’s championship swagger took a hit. The blockbuster trade for Jewell Loyd was supposed to keep their title hopes alive. However, the six-time All-Star struggled to find her groove in Vegas. That is, until a bold lineup change flipped the script and got everyone talking.
Las Vegas Aces Benching Jewell Loyd Paying Off For Them
The Aces have been in a mix for a while after getting it hard to make a fitting roster. Coach Becky Hammon and Loyd made a gutsy call to shake things up, moving the veteran guard to the bench for the first time since 2019. This might be a risky move, but that’s paying off big time. The roster’s performance has only seen a rise after the shuffle as they fight for a playoff spot with just 15 games left.
Jewell Loyd will come off the bench in today’s game against the Dallas Wings. It will be her first time coming off the bench since August 16, 2019. pic.twitter.com/FOfzn71BmW
— I talk hoops 🏀 (@trendyhoopstars) July 27, 2025
Additionally, Loyd’s sacrifice and the team’s willingness to take a risk has mostly paid dividend. And apparently, this might just be the key to turning their season around.
However, the WNBA All-Star guard’s shift to the bench wasn’t an easy decision for a player who’s started 334 of her 355 career games. The move kicked off in a 106-80 rout of the Dallas Wings on July 27, 2025, where Loyd dropped 20 points in just 19 minutes, shooting an efficient 6-for-11, including 4-for-9 from three.
Additionally, Young forward Kierstan Bell stepped into Loyd’s starting spot and delivered a career-high 19 points.
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Jewell Loyd Only Getting Better With Her New Las Vegas Aces Role
Since the changed role and updated starting five, Loyd’s been on fire. She’s hitting a season-high 27 points in a 101-77 blowout against the Golden State Valkyries. That too was her fifth 20-point game of the season.
Though she had a quieter eight-point outing against the Sparks, the Notre Dame alum bounced back with 12 points against Minnesota, proving her consistency off the bench. This shift has let Loyd play freer, focusing on her scoring instincts rather than forcing plays alongside stars.
Also Read: Las Vegas Aces Face Tough Jewell Loyd Decision As Championship Hopes Fade