The Las Vegas Aces are running out of time to save their season, and they have no margin for error. After falling behind 0-2 against the Golden State Valkyries in the WNBA semifinals, the defending contenders must find answers quickly or watch their championship hopes disappear. Las Vegas has the star power and postseason experience to fight back, but it must correct its biggest weaknesses and deliver a complete performance in Game 3.
1. Win the Battle on the Boards
The Aces cannot afford to keep giving Golden State extra possessions. Las Vegas was outrebounded 52-25 in Game 1, with the Valkyries collecting 17 offensive rebounds and scoring 20 second-chance points. Those numbers tell a troubling story about a team that must be more physical and disciplined to survive another elimination game.
A’ja Wilson needs help from her teammates in controlling the paint, while the guards must contribute on the defensive glass. Every missed shot must become an opportunity for Las Vegas to secure possession instead of allowing Golden State to extend the play. If the Aces cannot finish defensive possessions, they will make an already difficult comeback even harder. The Aces only got outrebounded 30-25 in Game 2.
2. Get More Offensive Production Around A’ja Wilson
Wilson can carry a significant scoring load, but she cannot do everything herself. The Aces need Chelsea Gray, Jackie Young, and the rest of the supporting cast to become more consistent threats, especially when Golden State focuses its defense on Wilson. Relying on one player to generate nearly every important basket is not a sustainable formula against a playoff opponent.
Las Vegas must move the basketball, attack defensive mismatches, and create better looks instead of settling for difficult shots. Gray’s playmaking and Young’s ability to score from multiple areas can help take pressure off Wilson. When the supporting cast delivers, the Aces become much harder to defend and can dictate the pace.
3. Play With Urgency From the Opening Tip
One of Las Vegas’ biggest problems has been digging itself into a hole before making a late push. In Game 2, the Aces trailed 42-31 at halftime and entered the fourth quarter down 66-55 before mounting a comeback that ultimately fell short in an 83-81 loss. The late rally demonstrated their ability to compete, but it also showed how difficult it is to overcome a double-digit deficit against a determined opponent.
The Aces must bring defensive intensity from the opening possession and avoid careless turnovers that fuel Golden State’s offense. They need to set the tone early, execute in the half-court, and stop forcing themselves to play catch-up in the fourth quarter. A desperate comeback cannot be the game plan; sustained execution must be.
The Aces Must Treat Game 3 Like a Must-Win
Las Vegas has the talent to make this series competitive, but talent alone will not save its season. The Aces must rebound with more aggression, get meaningful contributions from their supporting cast, and play four quarters of focused basketball. There is no room for another slow start or another stretch where defensive mistakes let Golden State seize control.
Wilson can lead the charge, but this comeback will require a collective effort. The Aces need to play with the toughness and confidence that made them a championship team. If they clean up their mistakes and respond under pressure, they can extend the series and put the pressure back on Golden State.
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