The Las Vegas Aces rested key players A'ja Wilson, Chelsea Gray, and Jackie Young during their game against the New York Liberty due to an exhausting travel schedule. Following a loss in Minnesota, the Aces faced a tight turnaround, arriving in New York late Saturday night. Coach Becky Hammon emphasized prioritizing player health, noting the challenges of the back-to-back travel, especially with less than 24 hours between games. Mandatory early start times for high-profile broadcasts, such as ABC’s coverage, added to the strain. Despite missing top players, the Aces remain a competitive team.

By the Numbers
  • The Aces traveled nearly 1,200 miles (1,931 kilometers) from Minneapolis to New York.
  • Less than 12 hours separated the team's hotel arrival and game tipoff.
Yes, But

While the Aces opted to rest their stars for health reasons, it raises questions about scheduling fairness and the intensity of travel demands in the WNBA compared to other leagues like the NBA, where such short turnarounds are uncommon.

State of Play
  • The Aces are completing a challenging five-game road trip.
  • They recently faced a variety of opponents, including a loss in Chicago and an overtime win in Indiana.
What's Next

The Aces will need to manage player fatigue going forward, potentially affecting their performance in upcoming games as they balance health and competitive intensity. Coach Hammon's approach may influence how the team navigates future scheduling challenges.

Bottom Line

The Aces' decision to rest key players underscores the importance of player health in a demanding league schedule, highlighting ongoing challenges in balanced scheduling and the need for future consideration of travel logistics in the WNBA.