Becky Hammon defends Aces' decision to rest stars

Las Vegas Aces head coach Becky Hammon defended her decision to bench star players A’ja Wilson, Chelsea Gray, and Jackie Young during a nationally televised game against the New York Liberty on August 9, 2026. The move resulted in a 111-71 loss at the Barclays Center.

Hammon cited the physical toll of a grueling travel schedule as the primary reason for the decision, emphasizing that player health and safety must take precedence over the spectacle of a marquee matchup. The Aces had played in Minnesota less than 24 hours prior to the game, highlighting the logistical challenges of the WNBA calendar.

In addition to managing player fatigue, the Aces are facing scrutiny regarding their defensive performance. While the team maintains a 22-11 record, they have struggled defensively since mid-July, allowing nearly 92 points per game and ranking among the league's bottom tier in fourth-quarter scoring defense.