Vegas' late-season resurgence: The city flips its fortunes, yet is A'ja Wilson and her team capable of a deep postseason in the WNBA?
Las Vegas Aces on a Hot Streak, Climbing Playoff Standings
The Las Vegas Aces have turned their season around in 2025, propelling themselves into a strong playoff position with a 9- or 10-game winning streak. This impressive run has moved the Aces from below .500 to a potential homecourt advantage in the first round.
Key to this turnaround has been the outstanding play of three-time MVP A'ja Wilson. Her late-season surge, which includes multiple 30-point games, has been crucial to the Aces’ success.
Defensive improvement has also played a significant role. Over their last 15 games, the Aces have allowed opponents to shoot just 43.4% from the field and given up an average of only 81.8 points per game—statistics ranking among the top five in the league for that period.
Roster changes and strategic lineup adjustments have also contributed to the Aces’ success. The acquisition of NaLyssa Smith has strengthened the thin frontcourt rotation and added scoring versatility. Moving Jewell Loyd to the bench has increased her productivity, and Chelsea Gray has stepped up as a key playmaker, logging a high number of assists in recent games.
Rebounding and offensive rebounding have been key areas of focus for the Aces. They have been dominating the offensive glass, generating extra possessions that have translated into points, helping sustain and fuel their scoring runs.
Mental resilience and focus on fundamentals have also been vital. After a historic 53-point loss, the Aces regrouped by refocusing on the foundational aspects of their game, channeling energy and pride into strong performances.
The Aces have also benefited from a relatively advantageous path to the playoffs, with only two of their last seven games against established playoff teams.
Coach Becky Hammon has employed unorthodox lineup combinations, not necessarily starting the best five players but optimizing performance, which has contributed to their winning streaks.
In the midst of this hot streak, the Aces have a 1-2 record against the New York Liberty and have beaten the Los Angeles Sparks, Connecticut Sun, and Atlanta Dream. They currently hold fifth place in the WNBA standings, with one game separating them from the fourth-place Phoenix Mercury.
NaLyssa Smith has been solid since arriving in a mid-season trade from the Dallas Wings, and Jackie Young has made her fourth consecutive All-Star appearance this season. However, Chelsea Gray has not regained her pre-injury form since fracturing her foot in the 2023 Finals.
Jewell Loyd, acquired by the Aces in the offseason, struggled early in the season but has since thrived off the bench, averaging 15.5 points per game in eight games. Loyd has three 20-point games off the bench since being moved to the bench, compared to just one such game in 25 games as a starter.
The Aces' schedule for the remainder of the season is considered favourable, and they currently have the sixth-best title odds (+2500) at Caesars Sportsbook. The Aces' improved play, coupled with their favourable schedule, positions them well for a deep playoff run in 2025.
- The Aces' historic 9- or 10-game winning streak in 2025 has moved them from a mediocre record to a potential homecourt advantage in the first round of sports betting news.
- A'ja Wilson's impressive late-season surge, including multiple 30-point games, has been vital for the Aces' WNBA betting victory streak.
- After defective defensive performance earlier in the season, the Aces have improved significantly, ranking among the top five in the league for field goal percentage allowed and points given up per game.
- Mental resilience and focus on fundamentals in the aftermath of a historic 53-point loss have contributed to the Aces' recent victories and improved NBA betting standing.
- NaLyssa Smith's contributions since her mid-season trade from the Dallas Wings and Jewell Loyd's increased productivity off the bench have bolstered the Aces' roster for the basketball season.
- Despite Chelsea Gray's continued struggle to regain her pre-injury form, the Aces have benefited from a relatively advantageous path to the playoffs, with a favorable schedule ahead.
- With the sixth-best title odds (+2500) at Caesars Sportsbook, the Aces' improved performance and a favorable WNBA schedule have put them in an advantageous position for a deep playoff run in the sports news coverage.
