Aces struggle and Caitlin Clark hits a shooting slump early in WNBA season

Las Vegas Aces Looking to Turn Season Around

The Las Vegas Aces are once again off to a slow start this season, marking the second consecutive year they have struggled early on. However, they managed to snap a three-game losing streak with a much-needed victory over the Indiana Fever. Despite their recent struggles, the Aces are still within striking distance at 6-7, but it’s a rare sight to see them below .500 since the team relocated to Las Vegas in 2018.

The win against the Fever was a significant boost for the team and was one of their best performances of the season so far. In fact, the game became ESPN’s third most-watched WNBA regular-season game, averaging 1.7 million viewers. Coach Becky Hammon is now focused on building more consistency moving forward.

Hammon emphasized the importance of trust and consistency, stating, “It’s hard to build trust when you’re not consistent. Every day. You got to show up. You got to be who you are and be the best version of yourself.” She acknowledged the team’s potential but emphasized the need to put together a complete 40-minute game.

Looking ahead, the Aces are aiming to string together some wins as they face tough matchups against Connecticut and Washington in back-to-back games this week. Following these games, the team will embark on a five-game road trip that will play a crucial role in determining their position heading into the All-Star break.

One player the Aces are hoping to get going on offense is Jewell Loyd, who is averaging just 11.4 points per game this season, her lowest total since her rookie year in 2015. Despite recent shooting struggles, rookie Caitlin Clark remains optimistic and focused on contributing in other areas of the game.

Clark, along with her teammate Napheesa Collier, is leading fan All-Star voting, showcasing the strong support and engagement from WNBA fans. Clark expressed excitement about the record-breaking number of votes cast, highlighting the league’s growth and fan involvement.

In the latest power poll, Minnesota leads as the top team, with Phoenix moving up to second place after a win against New York. The Liberty and Seattle round out the top four, with Las Vegas sitting in sixth place. Nneka Ogwumike of Seattle was named Player of the Week for her outstanding performances.

Looking ahead, one of the anticipated matchups is Chicago facing Los Angeles, where the Sparks will retire former star Candace Parker’s jersey. Parker will become the third player to receive this honor for Los Angeles, adding to the excitement of the game.

As the WNBA season progresses, the Las Vegas Aces are determined to turn their season around and showcase their potential in the league. Fans can follow all the action on the AP WNBA hub for the latest updates and news.