Aces wear jerseys to support A’ja Wilson who finished 2nd for Defensive Player of the Year

The entire Las Vegas Aces roster donned A’ja Wilson jerseys during the opening game of their series against New York to show their support for their teammate, whom they believed was deserving of the WNBA Defensive Player of the Year accolade.

Wilson, who had previously secured the award for two consecutive years, finished in second place behind Napheesa Collier when the results were revealed on Sunday.

The initiative for the jerseys was proposed by Tiffany Hayes. In addition, the team sported pants designed by Hayes, who is also a candidate for the league’s Sixth Woman of the Year award.

“She’s our leader, always looking out for us, so it just made sense,” Hayes remarked. “Why not do something fun and representative of our team? The jersey idea came to mind, and I wanted to incorporate my brand on the side as well.”

Wilson, recognized as the league’s unanimous MVP, averaged 2.6 blocks and 1.8 steals for the Aces, continuing to play a pivotal role in their defensive strategy.

“If you need to delve into analytics to justify someone’s inclusion in the conversation, I believe that answers the question,” stated Las Vegas coach Becky Hammon regarding Wilson's failure to win the award. “(Collier) is an excellent defensive player, and I’m not disputing that. However, if you observe the games, A’ja’s blocks and her ability to protect the rim are physically dominant, akin to a dunk in men’s basketball.”

Hammon expressed that there are certain players in the WNBA she prefers to steer clear of during play execution, specifically citing Connecticut Sun forward Alyssa Thomas.

"I prefer to keep them away from the action," she stated. "I do not want them involved when I am strategizing."