In the wake of the playoffs, the Las Vegas Aces earned a double-bye to the semi-finals of the 2021 WNBA playoffs. The Aces are set to play on Tuesday, September 28th, against the Phoenix Mercury in a best of five series. The Aces have to play at their best since they will be playing a fierce Mercury team. In order to be able to make it to the finals, they must use leverage their talents to win it all. Here are the Keys for Success for the Las Vegas Aces in the 2021 WNBA Playoffs.
Defense Wins Games
Firstly, defense is a huge key for the Aces in this year’s playoffs. The Aces take pride in their defense and are ranked #2 in the league for their defense. Limiting other teams from scoring, especially from the 3-point line, is a huge aspect of their defense and will be a necessary tool to win games in the playoffs.
Riquna Williams is a new addition to Aces for this season and her defensive abilities have been huge for the Aces. Rebounding on the defensive end is another huge aspect of the Aces defense thanks to A’ja Wilson and Liz Cambage. If the Aces continue their great defensive play during the playoffs this will be a huge key for their success.
#𝟮 𝗥𝗔𝗡𝗞𝗘𝗗 𝗗𝗘𝗙𝗘𝗡𝗦𝗘
— Las Vegas Aces (@LVAces) September 21, 2021
🔺 Five players in Top 20 in Defensive Win Shares.
🔺 League leader in Defensive Rebounding.
🔺 Third in Blocks Per Game.
🔺 Held opposing teams to a league-low 30.6% from three.#ALLIN ♦️♠️ pic.twitter.com/tg5ngokk2e
Don’t Forget Offense
The second of the keys to success is the offense. The Aces are the #1 team in the offensive team in the WNBA. The Aces have the ability to score from anywhere on the floor and from any player. There are seven players averaging in double-figure scoring, the first team in WNBA history to have this accomplishment. The 2020 MVP and 6th WOTY are also on the Aces so scoring is not an issue for them. For instance, they also are the league leader in field goal percentage. Needless to say that whoever the Aces face will have to play tough defense to be able to slow them down.
#𝟭 𝗥𝗔𝗡𝗞𝗘𝗗 𝗢𝗙𝗙𝗘𝗡𝗦𝗘
— Las Vegas Aces (@LVAces) September 21, 2021
🔺 First team in @WNBA history to have 𝗦𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗡 players averaging double-digit scoring.
🔺 League leader in Points Per Game.
🔺 Five players in Top 20 in Points Per Game. pic.twitter.com/e8FZoNpiQe
Utilize the Bench
A huge part of the Aces’ success so far is their bench and this will continue to be a key for success in the playoffs. Much credit should be given to Kelsey Plum who is both a large contender for the 6th WOTY and MIP. Plum earned the Western Conference Player of the Month after her phenomenal performances. Even coming off the bench, Plum is a large contributor and a valuable aspect of the team. Las Vegas will be successful if Plum continues her season-long form.
Another bench player is two-time 6th WOTY, Dearica Hamby, who also has been a large contributor off of the bench. If the Aces utilize their bench wisely, it will be a large part in determining their success in the playoffs.
Play Through Wilson and Cambage
When talking about the Las Vegas Aces it would be very odd if you did not hear A’ja or Liz’s name brought up. These two players are a large key to the team when it comes to both offense and defense. Wilson earned the award of MVP last year she has her title to defend and is seeking to win the whole playoffs after losing in the finals last year. Cambage did not play for the Aces last season, due to COVID-19 concerns. Expect her to be utilized this playoff season.
If the Aces play their offense and defense through their post players it will be hard to lose. The Mercury have strong post players with Brittney Griner and Brianna Turner, but if A’ja and Liz play good defense and are able to score then the team and success should follow suit.
Value the Backcourt
In conclusion, the final key for the Aces is to value the backcourt. The post players of the Aces are highly praised. Because of that, the backcourt goes unnoticed. It is important to use their backcourt threat in the playoffs. Between Williams, Plum, Chelsea Gray, and Jackie Young, the Aces have a talented backcourt. The Aces have many ways to score with this backcourt whether it be a 3 or a dribble drive. The backcourt is often overlooked by opponents and the Aces should use that to their advantage.
Thanks for reading Keys for Success for the Las Vegas Aces in the 2021 WNBA Playoffs. Make sure to follow my Twitter @aislynjowers for more of my content, and keep a lookout for my next article. Also, follow Beyond Women’s Sports for more articles on amazing women and their sport.
