Aces in Crisis? Wilson Admits Team 'Spoiled' Fans Amid Slump!

The Las Vegas Aces, reigning WNBA champions, are facing an unexpected challenge this season. After a dominant run culminating in back-to-back titles in 2022 and 2023, the team has stumbled out of the gate with a 5-7 record through their first 12 games. This performance has left fans and analysts alike wondering what's behind the Aces' struggles.

A’ja Wilson, a key player for the Aces, recently acknowledged the team's dip in performance and suggested that their previous success might have set unrealistic expectations. "Us as a team, we have it, we just got to find it within each other," Wilson stated, according to Las Vegas reporter Nick Walters. "It takes time, but, obviously, we spoiled a lot of people without our greatness, with our legendary basketball style. We spoiled our fan base. We spoiled a lot of people with that, and now they expect that out of us in every single game…"

Wilson, who recently returned from a concussion, has been a bright spot for the Aces, leading the team in multiple statistical categories, including career-high averages in assists, steals, and blocks. However, her return wasn't enough to prevent a recent loss to the Seattle Storm, marking the Aces' third consecutive defeat.

The Aces' struggles extend beyond offensive challenges. Coach Becky Hammon has criticized the team's defense, describing it as "atrocious." Notably, the Aces have allowed 90 or more points in five of their first 12 games this season, a stark contrast to their 2023 championship season, where they only allowed such high scores six times in the entire regular season.

Looking ahead, the Aces are determined to turn things around. Wilson believes that experiencing adversity may be necessary for the team to rediscover its winning formula. The Aces will face the Indiana Fever in their next game, seeking to break their losing streak and reignite their championship spark.

Will Aces Regain Their Killer Instinct?

According to The Sporting Tribune, the Aces need to rediscover their killer instinct from previous years if they want to start winning. A will to win isn't enough, and right now, the Aces aren't the ruthless team that won back-to-back titles a few years ago. After losing to the Seattle Storm, A'ja Wilson believes the team needs to "man up" and that it's going to take more losses for the team to wake up.