The Las Vegas Aces are in a league of their own this season – there’s no other way to put it. With their most recent 93-72 victory over the Atlanta Dream on Tuesday (August 1), they improved to 24-2 on the year and clinched the league’s first playoff spot – keep in mind, there are still 14 games left in the season.
Aside from being an impressive feat in its own right, the Aces’ 24-2 record makes them just the second team in WNBA history to win 24 of their first 26 games – joining the 1998 Houston Comets. That’s right, we haven’t seen a start like this in 27 years – so if you haven’t been watching, you should definitely start!
The team has been dominant thus far and is showing no signs of slowing down – they’re currently on an eight-game win streak and are beating their opponents by an average of 18.5 points during this streak. With four of their players being named All-Stars this season, it’s easy to see why they’re so dominant.
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Recapping the Las Vegas Aces’ Historic 2023 Campaign
The Las Vegas Aces are a joy to watch and have come a long way from their inaugural season in 2018 – when they finished just 14-20 and failed to reach the playoffs. Now they’re 24-2 and clinched their fourth consecutive playoff spot after going 26-10 last years and winning the first WNBA title in franchise history.
Through 26 games in 2023, A’ja Wilson is leading the team in points (20.7), rebounds (9.5), and blocks (2.3), while Chelsea Gray leads the team in assists (6.9) and steals (1.5). Kelsey Plum is having an incredible year with 19.4 points and 4.2 assists, while Jackie Young is averaging 18.8 points of her own.
Behind those four All-Stars, the Aces have a pristine second unit that features Candace Parker (injured), Alysha Clark, Kierstan Bell, and Kiah Stokes – all of whom see plenty of playing time when healthy. To commemorate the success they’ve had this season, let’s take a look back at each of the Aces’ 24 wins!
1. Aces Defeat Storm 105-64 (May 20)
On May 20, the Las Vegas Aces defeated the Seattle Storm 105-64 in what was the most lopsided opening game win in WNBA history. The Aces were without their suspended head coach and had just a 4-point lead after the first quarter, but outscored the Storm 87-50 the rest of the way to start the year 1-0.
Kelsey Plum (23 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists) and Jackie Young (23 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists) led the way for the Aces, while A’ja Wilson recorded the game’s only double-double with 13 points and 13 rebounds. Chelsea Gray had a game-high 6 assists, while Candace Parker had 12 points in her debut.
2. Aces Defeat Sparks 94-85 (May 25)
On May 25, the Las Vegas Aces defeated the Los Angeles Sparks 94-85 in their second game without head coach Becky Hammon. The Aces found themselves down 10 points at the end of the first half, but outscored the Sparks 31-17 in the third quarter and 27-22 in the fourth quarter to secure their comeback.
Jackie Young (30 points, 4 steals) led the Aces by shooting an impressive 12 of 18 from the floor and 4 of 7 from long range. A’ja Wilson (19 points, 13 rebounds) recorded the game’s only double-double, while Chelsea Gray had a game-high 8 assists to go along with her 16 points. Kelsey Plum had just 9 points.
3. Aces Defeat Sparks 93-65 (May 27)
On May 27, the Las Vegas Aces received their championship rings before defeating the Los Angeles Sparks 93-65 in a game that saw the Aces begin the game with a 31-13 lead at the end of the first quarter and a 59-28 lead at halftime. Things were pretty even the rest of the way, but the Aces’ lead was too big.
A’ja Wilson (23 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals, 2 blocks) led the way for the Aces, while Kelsey Plum and Jackie Young combined for another 35 points and 8 assists – Chelsea Gray had 7 assists of her own. The Aces also received 20 points from their bench players, including 7 points from Alysha Clark.
4. Aces Defeat Lynx 94-73 (May 28)
On May 28, the Las Vegas Aces improved their record to 4-0 on the year with a 94-73 victory over the Minnesota Lynx. They opened the game with a 7-point lead after the first quarter and never looked back – outscoring the Lynx by five points in the second, eight points in the third, and one point in the final quarter.
Jackie Young (23 poins, 6 rebounds, 4 assists) and A’ja Wilson (21 points, 2 blocks) led the way for the Aces, while Chelsea Gray had the team’s lone double-double with 19 points and 10 assists. Kelsey Plum chipped in with 11 points and 5 assists, while Alysha Clark added in another 11 points off the bench.
5. Aces Defeat Dream 92-87 (June 2)
On June 2, the Las Vegas Aces improved their record to 5-0 on the year with a 92-87 victory over the Atlanta Dream. The Aces held a 15-point lead at halftime, but the Dream started to mount a comeback in the fourth quarter – outscoring the Aces 29-20. Fortunately for the Aces, that comeback wasn’t enough.
A’ja Wilson (21 points, 5 rebounds, 3 blocks) and Jackie Young (20 points, 5 rebounds, 3 steals) led the way, while Kelsey Plum added 15 points and 3 assists. With Candace Parker’s 13 points, she moved into the No. 8 spot on the WNBA’s all-time scoring leaderboard – writing her name among some of the greats.
6. Aces Defeat Fever 84-80 (June 4)
On June 4, the Las Vegas Aces improved their record to 6-0 on the year with an 84-80 victory over the Indiana Fever. The Aces were outscored 21-28 in the first quarter, but fought their way back by halftime. They found themselves down 7 at the end of the third, but outscored the Fever by 11 points in the fourth.
A’ja Wilson (27 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 blocks) led the way for the Aces, while Jackie Young (19 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists) and Chelsea Gray (17 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 steals) also played well. Kelsey Plum and Candace Parker struggled from the floor, but it didn’t seem to matter too much.
7. Aces Defeat Sun 90-84 (June 6)
On June 6, the Las Vegas Aces improved their record to 7-0 on the year with a 90-84 victory over the Connecticut Sun in what was a rematch of last year’s WNBA Finals. The Aces owned the first half with a 17-point lead and, while they allowed the Sun to come back in the second half, they held on to the win.
A’ja Wilson (23 points, 10 rebounds, 4 blocks) and Jackie Young (22 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 steals) led the way for Las Vegas, but don’t let that blind you from what Kelsey Plum (17 points, 6 assists) and Chelsea Gray (14 points, 6 rebounds, 7 assists) were up to – it was a total team effort for the Aces.
8. Aces Defeat Sky 93-80 (June 11)
On June 11, the Las Vegas Aces improved their record to 8-1 on the year with a 93-80 victory over the Chicago Sky. The Aces had a 9-point lead at the end of the first quarter and a 17-point lead at halftime. While the Sky outscored the Aces 41-37 in the second half, it wasn’t enough to overcome the deficit.
All five starters for Las Vegas finished the game with double-digit points. A’ja Wilson led the team with 21 points and 10 rebounds – her sixth double-double of the season. Chelsea Gray, Kelsey Plum, and Jackie Young combined for 49 points, while Candace Parker had 10 points, 6 rebounds, 7 assists, and 5 steals.
9. Aces Defeat Storm 96-63 (June 15)
On June 15, the Las Vegas Aces improved their record to 9-1 on the year with a 96-63 victory over the Seattle Storm. The game was tied after the first quarter, but the Aces started to take control in the second quarter and outscored the Storm 29-11 in the fourth to secure the win – there was never really any doubt.
Jackie Young led the way for the Aces with 28 points and shot 12 of 18 from the floor – including 4 of 7 from long range. Kelsey Plum showed out with 19 points and 4 assists, while A’ja Wilson had the team’s only double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds. Chelsea Gray dished 9 assists and had 8 points.
10. Aces Defeat Lynx 93-62 (June 18)
On June 18, the Las Vegas Aces improved their record to 10-1 on the year with a 93-62 victory over the Minnesota Lynx – their second consecutive win of at least 30 points. They had a 13-point lead at halftime before outscoring the Lynx 20-7 in the third – that’s right, the Lynx scored just 7 points in 10 minutes.
Jackie Young (24 points, 4 rebounds, 2 steals) and Kelsey Plum (21 points, 4 rebounds 3 assists) led the way for the Aces, while Chelsea Gray impressed with 17 points and 5 assists. A’ja Wilson was just 4 of 14 from the field and had just 8 points, but she helped in other ways – she had 14 rebounds and 4 blocks.
11. Aces Defeat Mercury 99-79 (June 21)
On June 21, the Las Vegas Aces improved their record to 11-1 on the year with a 99-79 victory over the Phoenix Mercury – their first meeting of the season. The Mercury were shorthanded in this one and never really stood a chance, especially with Diana Taurasi and Brittney Griner nursing injuries on the bench.
The Aces had three different players score at least 20 points – Jackie Young (23 points, 5 assists), Kelsey Plum (21 points, 6 assists, 2 steals), and A’ja Wilson (20 points, 12 rebounds, 2 blocks). Wilson recorded her seventh double-double of the season and Chelsea Gray finished with 11 points and 8 assists.
12. Aces Defeat Fever 101-88 (June 24)
On June 24, the Las Vegas Aces improved their record to 12-1 on the year with a 101-88 victory over the Indiana Fever. The Aces outscored the Fever by 7 points in the first quarter and 7 points in the second quarter, which proved to be the difference as both sides were rather even throughout the second half.
A’ja Wilson (28 points, 10 rebounds, 2 blocks) and Kelsey Plum (26 points) combined to score 30 points in the first half. As for the Aces’ three other starters, they each scored in double-digits – Candace Parker had 15 points, Chelsea Gray had 13 points and 12 assists, and Jackie Young had 10 points and 8 assists.
13. Aces Defeat Fever 88-80 (June 26)
On June 26, the Las Vegas Aces improved their record to 13-1 on the year with an 88-80 victory over the Indiana Fever – it was their third and final time meeting this season and the Aces took the series 3-0. They were actually down by 1 point at halftime, but outscored the Fever by nine points in the second half.
Chelsea Gray (25 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists) and A’ja Wilson (24 points, 10 rebounds, 3 steals, 3 blocks) combined for 49 of the Aces’ 88 points – that’s more than half of the team’s points! Kelsey Plum (17 points, 3 assists) and Jackie Young (16 points, 1 steal) also played a major role in the tight victory.
14. Aces Defeat Libert 98-81 (June 29)
On June 29, the Las Vegas Aces improved their record to 14-1 on the year with a 98-81 victory over the New York Liberty – it was the first meeting of the season between these two super teams. The Aces controlled the tempo the entire way through and proved why this team is in a league of their own.
All five of the Aces’ starters scored in double figures – led by Kelsey Plum with 18 points and 8 assists. A’ja Wilson added 16 points and 3 rebounds, while Jackie Young (15 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists) and Candace Parker (15 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists 2 steals) also played well. Chelsea Gray had 14 points.
15. Aces Defeat Sun 102-84 (July 1)
On July 1, the Las Vegas Aces improved their record to 15-1 on the year with a 102-84 victory over the Connecticut Sun – it was their second meeting and the third time the Aces scored more than 100 points in a game. They scored at least 25 points in three of the four quarters – including 30 in the first quarter.
Kelsey Plum (25 points, 3 rebounds) led the way for the Aces, while A’ja Wilson impressed with 23 points, 13 rebounds, and 5 assists – it was her 10th double-double of the season. Candace Parker had a productive outing with 15 points and 8 assists, while Jackie Young and Chelsea Gray each had 11 points.
16. Aces Defeat Wings 89-82 (July 5)
On July 5, the Las Vegas Aces improved their record to 16-1 with an 89-82 victory over the Dallas Wings – it was their first meeting of the season. The Aces were shorthanded and were even down 9 points at halftime, but they outscored the Wings 47-31 in the second half to earn their ninth consecutive victory.
The Aces had three players score more than 20 points – Jackie Young (28 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists), A’ja Wilson (22 points, 13 rebounds, 3 blocks), and Chelsea Gray (20 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists). Wilson had her 11th double-double of the year and Alysha Clark had 10 points in her first start of the year.
17. Aces Defeat Lynx 113-89 (July 9)
On July 9, the Las Vegas Aces improved their record to 17-2 with a victory over the Minnesota Lynx – the Aces were coming off their second loss of the season on July 7. They made no doubt about this one, scoring at least 25 points in all four quarters and scoring at least 100 points for the fourth time this year.
And a majority of those points came from Kelsey Plum, who finished with a career-high 40 points off 14 of 18 shooting – including 6 of 9 from long range. Jackie Young added 17 points and 8 assists, while Chelsea Gray (14 points, 10 assists) and A’ja Wilson (15 points, 10 rebounds) each had double-doubles.
18. Aces Defeat Mercury 98-72 (July 11)
On July 11, the Las Vegas Aces improved their record to 18-2 with a 98-72 victory over the Phoenix Mercury – it was their second meeting of the season, but the first time they got to see Brittney Griner in action since she was injured in their first meeting. They were 2 points away from another 100-point game.
The Aces had three players score at least 20 points in the win – Jackie Young (23 points, 6 assists), Chelsea Gray (21 points, 6 rebounds, 11 assists), and A’ja Wilson (20 points, 8 rebounds, 2 blocks). Gray earned a double-double in her second consecutive game, while Kelsey Plum chipped in with 17 points.
19. Aces Defeat Sparks 97-78 (July 12)
On July 12, the Las Vegas Aces improved their record to 19-2 with a 97-78 victory over the Los Angeles Sparks. The Aces were yet again flirting with 100 points after scoring an impressive 32 points in the first quarter, 22 points in the second quarter, 26 points in the third quarter, and 17 points in the fourth quarter.
A’ja Wilson (25 points, 12 rebounds, 2 blocks) led the way for the Aces with her 13th double-double of the season, while Kelsey Plum added 21 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 5 steals in the win. Chelsea Gray (16 points, 5 assists) and Jackie Young (14 points, 5 assists, 2 steals) also had impressive performances.
20. Aces Defeat Storm 79-63 (July 20)
On July 20, the Las Vegas Aces improved their record to 20-2 on the season with a 79-63 victory over the Seattle Storm. With the win, the Aces tied a WNBA record for best start to a season – tying the Houston Comets, who started 20-2 in 1998. The Aces only scored 79 points, but it was more than enough for a W.
65 of their 79 points came from three of their star players – A’ja Wilson (23 points, 15 rebounds, 3 steals, 3 blocks), Jackie Young (22 points, 8 rebounds, 2 steals), and Kelsey Plum (20 points, 6 assists, 2 steals). Wilson had her 14th double-double of the year and the Aces recorded16 steals as a team.
21. Aces Defeat Lynx 98-81 (July 22)
On July 22, the Las Vegas Aces improved their record to 21-2 on the year with a 98-81 victory over the Minnesota Lynx. With their 17-point win, the Aces tied another WNBA record with their fifth consecutive win of at least 15 points. They scored at least 20 points in all four quarters, including 30 in the third.
A’ja Wilson was the most impressive player on the court with 35 points, 14 rebounds, 2 assists, and 3 steals – it was her 15th double-double of the season and just her first game of more than 30 points. Jackie Young had 19 points, Chelsea Gray had 11 points and 11 assists, and Kelsey Plum had 16 points.
22. Aces Defeat Sky 107-95 (July 25)
On July 25, the Las Vegas Aces improved their record to 22-2 on the year with a 107-95 victory over the Chicago Sky – it was their fifth game of at least 100 points and their sixth consecutive double-digit victory. They scored 25+ points in all four quarters, including 30 points in the first quarter and 28 in the fourth.
The Aces yet again had three players score at least 20 points – Kelsey Plum (27 points, 6 assists), A’ja Wilson (24 points, 3 steals, 4 blocks), and Chelsea Gray (22 points, 9 assists, 2 steals, 2 blocks). Jackie Young came close to joining that group, but finished the game with 15 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists.
23. Aces Defeat Wings 104-91 (July 30)
On July 30, the Las Vegas Aces improved their record to 23-2 on the year with a 104-91 victory over the Dallas Wings – it was their second meeting of the season, the Aces’ seventh-straight win of at least 10 points, and the Aces’ sixth game of more than 100 points. They scored 35 points in the first quarter.
To no one’s surprise, three Aces’ players scored at least 20 points – including Kelsey Plum (28 points, 6 rebounds), Chelsea Gray (27 points, 5 rebounds, 8 assists), and A’ja Wilson (22 points, 7 rebounds, 6 blocks). While Jackie Young only had 9 points in the win, Alysha Clark added 12 points off the bench.
24. Aces Defeat Dream 93-72 (August 1)
On August 1, the Las Vegas Aces improved their record to 24-2 on the season with a 93-72 victory over the Atlanta Dream. They clinched the league’s first playoff spot with the win, despite still having 14 games left in the season, and earned their eighth-straight win of at least 10 points as they kept the ball rolling.
Jackie Young (24 points, 4 steals) led the way for the Aces, while A’ja Wilson added 20 points, 11 rebounds, and 2 steals to secure her 16th double-double of the season. Kelsey Plum had 14 points and 5 assists, Chelsea Gray had 10 points and 7 assists, and Kierstan Bell had 15 points off the bench.
Are the 2023 Las Vegas Aces the Best Team in WNBA History?
At this point in the season, the 2023 Las Vegas Aces have secured themselves as one of the greatest teams in WNBA history – but could they possibly be THE greatest of all-time? You can certainly make a case for it, but they also have a long way to go (14 games), so it all depends on how they end the season.
Of course, we can’t let what the Aces are doing discredit what the 1998 Houston Comets did – winning 24 of their first 26 games and ending the season with a 27-3 record. They won their second of four-straight WNBA titles that year – also winning it in 1999 with a 26-6 record and in 2000 with a 27-5 record.
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The Aces could do something similar if they can win a title this year and do it again in 2024 and 2025, but it won’t be easy. Another thing they’ll be setting their sights on is finishing the year with at least 30 wins – something that has never been done before. The 2014 Phoenix Mercury came close with a 29-5 record.
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