The Las Vegas Aces Have Lost More Than Games — They’ve Lost Their Identity

Using the Mystics loss as a lens, we break down the deeper issues plaguing the Las Vegas Aces, from roster changes and guard play to chemistry, leadership, and late-game execution.

The Las Vegas Aces’ 70–68 loss to the Washington Mystics wasn’t just another tough outing — it was a mirror, exposing the cracks in what used to be the league’s most cohesive and dominant unit. After holding a 13-point halftime lead, the Aces collapsed down the stretch, scoring just two points in the final 3:45. The unraveling wasn’t sudden — it’s been brewing all season.

One Good Quarter Won’t Cut It

The Aces played only one solid quarter: the second. After a 2-of-12 start in the first, they found a rhythm, going on a 9–2 run to open the second frame and closing on an 11–4 push. Jewell Loyd had nine points by halftime. The defense looked sharp — active hands, help-side rotations, and five forced turnovers led to ten points.

But once the third quarter hit, so did the breakdowns. Washington began chipping away. The Aces still led 66–58 with under four minutes left — then came the final surge from Shakira Austin, who finished with 16 points and 8 rebounds and looked nearly unguardable. And that’s saying something even if A’ja Wilson had played — because Kiah Stokes’ defense has consistently fallen short.

The Post Play Problem

Kiah Stokes looks on in a white Aces jersey

Kiah Stokes' struggles aren’t new. Her rotations are late, her one-on-one defense lacks bite, and her rebounding numbers don’t reflect her size or minutes. Offensively, she’s a non-factor. No shots in the second half. Two three-point attempts in the first. And this isn’t an isolated game — she hasn’t averaged more than 2 points or 5 rebounds in five seasons. That’s unacceptable at 6’4", especially on a team that relies on production across the board.

Nalyssa Smith showed flashes, but her positioning — both offensively and defensively — still needs refining. She’s prone to fouls, often due to poor angles, and isn’t establishing her spots early enough. The raw potential is there. What she needs is consistent development and a coaching staff willing to invest. The Aces might just be that team — but only if the guards start trusting her more.

Speaking of Guards…

The bigger concern isn’t the post, it’s the guards. They’re the highest-paid players on the team and they’re supposed to set the tone. Chelsea Gray and Jackie Young combined for six assists. Gray made four of six shots in the second half, but several of those attempts came at the cost of passing up open teammates. This isn’t about whether the shot went in, it’s about whether it was the right shot. Basketball is about flow and trust, and too often, Vegas is lacking both.

Jackie Young led the fourth quarter in shot attempts, going 3-of-7. That’s not inherently bad, but like Gray, the issue is when and how those shots come. Meanwhile, Aaliyah Nye, who was drafted to be a floor spacer and 3&D player, didn’t take a single shot in the second half. How can she grow into a contributor if she’s not even in the mix?

The Void Left by Veterans

Vegas didn’t just lose players in the offseason — they lost their identity.

Alysha Clark was the ultimate glue piece: a low-turnover vet with championship experience, elite defensive instincts, and nearly 39% shooting from three. She rarely made a bad read and knew how to impact the game without needing the ball.

Tiffany Hayes was the Sixth Player of the Year who brought toughness, scoring versatility, and defensive grit. Her ability to slash, hit the open three, and read defensive schemes made her invaluable — even in a reduced role.

Sydney Colson may not have filled up the stat sheet, but she filled a leadership gap that no one on this team has quite stepped into. She brought energy, mentorship, and culture — all of which are now missing.

That’s three championship-level veterans gone, replaced by a struggling Jewell Loyd, a rookie in Nye, and a rotating door of hardship contracts.

The Jewell Loyd Trade-Off

The Aces brought in Loyd expecting the 2023 version, the scoring machine. Instead, they got a more inconsistent player, averaging just 10 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists on 37% shooting. Kelsey Plum gave them 18 points a night on 42% from the field and 36% from deep. Loyd is a slight defensive upgrade, but not enough to make up for the offensive drop-off. The numbers speak for themselves, so does their current record; 9-11.

Dana Evans: A Silver Lining

One of the few bright spots is Dana Evans. Considered a questionable pickup, she’s changed the narrative over the past few weeks. Since July 3, Evans has averaged 12 points, 2.3 assists, and 1.3 steals while shooting 50% from the field. She’s had double-digit scoring in three straight games and brings a noticeable energy and flow to the offense.

Evans isn’t just playing minutes, she’s playing meaningful ones. The coaching staff has noticed. Fans have noticed. Her presence has sparked better ball movement and improved offensive execution.

Conclusion: This Isn’t Just About Losing Games

The Aces are no longer losing just because of injuries or one bad night. They’re losing because their system is broken. The ball isn’t moving. The veterans are gone. The leadership is in question. The trust isn’t there.

They didn’t just lose Alysha Clark, Tiffany Hayes, or Kelsey Plum.

They lost their balance.They lost their rhythm.They lost their identity.