Olympics / WNBA

How the Las Vegas Aces are Dominating Tokyo

- by Aislyn Jowers

The Las Vegas Aces have made their presence known thus far in the Olympics. Although the Olympics was supposed to be held last year due to COVID-19; this year allowed many athletes to compete that they would not have had last year.  Five players of the Las Vegas Aces have been dominant in the Olympics as they compete for their country. These experiences are hard to beat. And will help the Aces once the Olympic Break is over and the WNBA regular season continues. Here is How the Las Vegas Aces are Dominating Tokyo. 

USA 5×5

Both Chelsea Gray and A’ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces have been key players to the U.S. Olympic Women’s Basketball Team’s success. This team is coached by Wilson’s former college coach, Dawn Staley, who is also a gold medalist. The team is headed into the Olympics finals after beating Serbia 79-59. This continues their undefeated streak in Tokyo (5-0) despite losing in the exhibition game to the Aussies in Vegas; they ended up defeating Australia in the quarterfinals. The run for gold continues as the U.S. women’s team goes for seven straight gold medals.

Chelsea Gray

Gray has been a huge force on the Team USA bench. Bringing the energy, Gray continues to be a huge reason behind the team’s success. From scoring to assists, Chelsea is a valuable member of this team. Against Serbia, Gray had 14 points and shot 100% from the three. During the game against the Aussies, Gray also dished out 8 assists. Gray has been a great addition to this team, even though she is a first-time Olympian; she is playing poise and like she’s been there before. Gray’s experience in Tokyo will help her when she gets back to playing in the WNBA; as the Aces continue their success in the regular season.

A’ja Wilson

Wilson is a big reason for Team USA’s ongoing success. She has been a young leader for this veteran-led team. Some may contribute to being coached again by Staley, but Wilson shines regardless who’s coaching. Although only having 9 points and 3 rebounds in the game against Serbia, Wilson added 2 assists. In other games, Wilson has been both an offensive and defensive threat earning both steals and assists. Although a first-time Olympian, Wilson has been leading this team in many areas. And you can expect her to do that in the gold medal game.

Once back playing in the WNBA; expect Wilson to be even more dangerous after getting this new experience under her belt.

USA 3×3

The USA 3×3 team took on Tokyo with pride as they went for gold. The USA 3×3 team (8-1) won the first gold medal for 3×3 in the Olympics; after defeating the ROC by a score of 18-15. This team was dominant and proved themselves as a gold medal team after playing 9 games to win. The team consisted of only four players and this newly broadcasted game style that many are learning; requires both mental and physical toughness as you only play 10 minutes or have to score 21 points to win. Coached by Kara Lawson, two out of four team members are players for the Aces. Kelsey Plum and Jackie Young proved how to go for gold and be successful in doing so. This team truly showed what dominating Tokyo looks like.

Kelsey Plum

Nearly a year after tearing her Achilles, Plum defied all odds and became a gold medalist. Plum wouldn’t have been able to play in the Olympics if they were to have been played this past year. But despite a long and hard year, Plum benefitted from this delayed start. Not only did she make the Olympic 3×3 team, but she was also a key factor in the team’s success. She had 5 points in the team’s gold medal win over the ROC. Her energy and quickness fit the style of play for 3×3 basketball perfectly, quick and focused, yet skilled and logical. KP brought a gold medal back home. But will also bring new knowledge and experience to the Aces as they continue their season after the Olympic break.

Jackie Young

A needed last-minute change to the team was adding Jackie Young to the roster; after a player on the team was diagnosed with COVID-19. Young would be called to play in Tokyo 11 days before winning her first gold medal alongside teammate Plum. She was mainly a defensive threat on the floor, snatching rebounds and helping her team to gold. Rebounding is a huge aspect of this game style since it is only half-court. Her ability to create her shots is also huge in the game of 3×3 basketball. She is still a very young player who is learning a lot, so her experience in Tokyo will help her with her future with the Aces.

South Korea

Although South Korea did not have any winning success in Tokyo (0-3), being able to experience the Olympics is an experience in itself. Getting to the Olympics is not easy; especially how challenging the past year has been for the world as a whole. Many players who experience the Olympics are not guaranteed to play the next time around so valuing your time is key. One Aces player, JiSu Park, played for South Korea and was a huge leader for her team.

JiSu Park

Although the team as a whole might not have had success, JiSu Park played phenomenally in Tokyo. This was her second Olympic appearance at only age 22. JiSu brought her best game scoring two double-doubles in three games. Not only was she proficient in scoring and rebounding she also had both assists and blocks. Park is a huge player for South Korea and will be for the years to come. Now when the WNBA Olympic break ends; she will be able to use her experiences in Tokyo to help benefit herself and the Aces.

Make sure to follow my Twitter @aislynjowers for more of my content and follow @beyondwsports. Make sure to keep a lookout for my next article. Be sure to check out Beyond Women’s Sports for more articles on amazing women and their sport.

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About Aislyn Jowers

I've grown up going to NCCAW games, when Tiffany Mitchell was drafted to the Indiana Fever in 2016 it opened the doors to the WNBA for me. Ever since then, I have been an avid watcher of both the WNBA and NCAAW games. Instead of bothering my family and friends with my thoughts about the game, I decided I will write about it instead.

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