Aces’ Defensive Turnaround Gains Momentum as Becky Hammon Eyes Bigger Goals Ahead

The Las Vegas Aces earned more than just another regular-season victory when they defeated the Dallas Wings 99-84. The win marked an important step forward for a team that had struggled against Dallas earlier in the season while also providing encouraging signs that its defensive improvements are beginning to take hold.

Entering the matchup, the Aces were looking to respond after a disappointing loss to the New York Liberty. They also had extra motivation after suffering two previous defeats to the Wings, including a lopsided 96-66 setback that exposed several weaknesses on both ends of the floor.

This time, however, Las Vegas delivered a much more complete performance. While the offense once again showcased its firepower, it was the team’s defensive effort that drew the most attention from head coach Becky Hammon following the game.

Hammon emphasized that the victory was another step in a much larger process rather than the finish line. As the Aces prepare for a crucial stretch of the season, including another meeting with the Liberty, the coach believes consistency—not occasional flashes of excellence—will ultimately determine how far her team can go.

1. Hammon Focuses on the Process

Following the victory, Hammon made it clear that she remains committed to the long-term development of her team rather than becoming overly focused on individual results. She described herself as a coach who values steady progress, explaining that the Aces are still working toward reaching their full potential. While recent performances have been encouraging, she believes there is still significant room for improvement before the team reaches the standard it expects. One area Hammon continues to emphasize is consistency over the course of an entire game. She acknowledged that the Aces have demonstrated the ability to play at an elite level in stretches, but sustaining that intensity for all 40 minutes remains the next challenge. Hammon also cautioned against peaking too early in the season. With meaningful games still ahead, including postseason aspirations beyond the Commissioner’s Cup, she wants the team building momentum gradually rather than reaching its highest level too soon.

2. Defense Begins to Show Real Improvement

Although Hammon expressed optimism, she also spoke honestly about where the Aces began the season. She admitted the team’s defensive performances during the opening weeks fell well below expectations. Those struggles were reflected in the statistics. Las Vegas ranked near the bottom of the WNBA in defensive rating early in the campaign and repeatedly allowed opponents to score at a high level. In each of the team’s three losses, opponents scored at least 95 points. Recent games, however, have suggested meaningful progress. The Aces have started putting together multiple strong defensive performances, limiting scoring opportunities and showing greater discipline on that end of the floor. Hammon believes stacking quality defensive efforts is essential if the team hopes to contend for championships again. Rather than viewing one impressive performance as enough, she wants her players to establish defensive consistency as part of their identity moving forward.

3. Stronger Defense Comes at Ideal Time

The timing of the Aces’ defensive improvement could hardly be more important. Their next major challenge comes against the New York Liberty in the Commissioner’s Cup Championship, offering an immediate opportunity to measure their progress. The matchup carries added significance because the Liberty recently defeated Las Vegas 87-76, exposing areas the Aces knew they needed to address. That loss served as another reminder that championship-caliber teams must perform consistently on both ends of the court. By responding with a disciplined defensive effort against Dallas, Las Vegas has created positive momentum heading into one of its biggest games of the season. Confidence appears to be growing as the team continues refining its defensive approach. Whether the recent improvements translate into a Commissioner’s Cup title remains to be seen, but Hammon believes her team is heading in the right direction. If the Aces can continue combining their explosive offense with reliable defense, they will once again position themselves among the league’s strongest championship contenders as the season progresses.