# Las Vegas Aces mid-season performance and coaching tension

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/las-vegas-aces-mid-season-performance-and-coaching-tension
> Updated: 2026-08-19T01:58:41.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 2.

The Las Vegas Aces have experienced a period of inconsistency and logistical challenges during their 2026 season. In early August, head coach Becky Hammon defended the decision to rest star players A’ja Wilson, Chelsea Gray, and Jackie Young during a game against the New York Liberty, citing the physical toll of a grueling travel schedule. This decision resulted in a significant 111-71 loss.

Following this period, the team’s performance remained inconsistent, marked by a decline in defensive strength and a slip to fourth in the WNBA standings. During a subsequent game against the Atlanta Dream, Hammon was ejected in the second quarter after receiving two technical fouls stemming from frustration with officiating. The Aces entered halftime trailing the Dream by 11 points during this matchup.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-19: Becky Hammon ejected during Aces vs. Dream game

Las Vegas Aces head coach Becky Hammon was ejected during a game against the Atlanta Dream following a heated altercation with officials and a double technical foul.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/becky-hammon-ejected-during-las-vegas-aces-vs-atlanta-dream-game

### 2026-08-09: Becky Hammon defends Aces' decision to rest stars

Las Vegas Aces coach Becky Hammon defended benching star players during a televised game against the New York Liberty, citing player health and a demanding travel schedule.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/becky-hammon-defends-aces-decision-to-rest-stars

---
Cite as: Las Vegas Aces mid-season performance and coaching tension. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/las-vegas-aces-mid-season-performance-and-coaching-tension