The Las Vegas Aces had to endure a lot of losses this offseason. Kelsey Plum and Alysha Clark, two key pieces from the Aces’ 2023 championship team, are now with the Sparks and Storm, Tiffany Hayes signed with the Golden State Valkyries, Sydney Colson chose to go to Indiana, and Kate Martin was selected in the expansion draft. On top of that, the Aces lost two assistant coaches, as Tyler Marsh and Natalie Nakase took over head coaching positions.
Despite all those losses, the Aces still have plenty of talent. A’ja Wilson is still one of the top players in the league, Jackie Young and Chelsea Gray are still on the team, and Jewell Loyd came to Las Vegas in the trade that sent Plum to Los Angeles. And yet, the Aces haven’t gotten off to a great start, opening the season with a 4-3 record.
Out of the team’s three losses, the 95-68 defeat to the Golden State Valkyries definitely hurt the most. It was a harsh reminder of what the Aces lost this offseason.
Natalie Nakase and Kate Martin are thriving with the Valkyries
The Valkyries feature three former members of the Aces: Tiffany Hayes, Kate Martin, and coach Natalie Nakase. Hayes hasn’t played much yet because of an injury, but the other two are having a good season with the Valkyries.
Martin started the season off slowly but has found her groove in her last few games. She showed out against her former team, recording 12 points, seven rebounds, and one assist in 26 minutes on the court. Martin’s playing time has been hard-earned, boosted by a great performance against the Lynx.
Nakase meanwhile is making an early play for the Coach of the Year award. While her team has displayed some issues in the clutch, it is impossible to ignore how ready and prepared the Valkyries are to battle every second of every game and give trouble to even the best teams in the league. Before beating the Aces, the Valkyries played close games against the Phoenix Mercury, Minnesota Lynx, and New York Liberty.
Becky Hammon lamented the Aces’ lack of effort
Golden State is a team the Aces should have beaten handily. After all, Becky Hammon’s team wants to contend for a championship, and the Valkyries will be happy if they can come close to claiming a playoff spot.
And yet, the Valkyries steamrolled the Aces. Hammon pointed to a lack of effort from her team after the loss.
“I’m not going to coach effort. It’s just one thing I can’t deal with,” Hammon said after the game. “You know, you’re in charge of your effort. I guess I’m in charge of your playing time, so that’s the one way I can affect it. I’ve never been a coach to pull for mistakes, but I will pull for effort.”
The Valkyries may not have the talent or star power the Aces have, but one thing the team hasn’t lacked all season is effort. Nakase had her team ready to battle and grind until the very last second of every game as soon as the season started. Martin, in particular, is a player who rarely lacks effort. Kelsey Plum and Alysha Clark are also players who battle on the court.
Hammon’s comments highlight the pieces Las Vegas lost this season. If the Aces do not sort out their issues soon, hanging with the Minnesota Lynx and New York Liberty will be difficult.