A child's smile lights up A'ja Wilson's face. The Aces superstar just put on her WNBA championship ring. “ The ring is beautiful. She is huge. I did not expect that. Bling, bling, bling, bling, bling, bling “, she formulates. On Tuesday, the Las Vegas-based team held its traditional ceremony after the second title obtained at the end of last season.
“ We are back. Not only are we back, but we are world champions twice in a row. All I can say is let's go for the treble “, sets team owner, Mark Davis, in front of a packed house. An objective that Tom Brady, minority shareholder of the club, tempered by introducing himself to the players ahead of the match against the Phoenix Mercury.
“ He said: 'The banners will always be there, so you don't have to try to defend them. Do what you have done so far.' This message marked the evening for me. I feel like we're so caught up in the cycle of, 'Oh, my God, we have to do the same thing three times,' but that banner will always be there. My ring will always be in the trophy cabinet “, reports A'ja Wilson.
The latter resumed by carrying out her usual work, signing 30 points, 13 rebounds and 5 assists in her team's victory (89-80). Aces coach Becky Hammon said she didn't warn her players about Tom Brady's visit, which was a nice surprise for them.
A historic hat-trick in sight
“ I thought it would be great to bring in a personality from the sports world who is not only invested in our team, but also knows a few things about winning. Let him express himself. It was someone who sat where they sat. These things don't happen by chance “.
All under the eyes of the boss of the league, Cathy Engelbert, who could have been in Connecticut for Caitlin Clark's debut with the Indiana Fever, but who preferred to go to Las Vegas. “ My favorite part of my job is presenting the trophy. So it’s important: champions two years in a row », blurts out the latter.
The Aces hope to become the first team since the Houston Comets, from 1997-2000, to win at least three titles in a row and the second to accomplish the feat. The Las Vegas team has already become the first team since the Los Angeles Sparks in 2001 and 2002 to be back-to-back champions.
