Lynx expose an uncomfortable truth about new-look Aces

The Las Vegas Aces have undergone significant roster changes since their back-to-back championships, trading Kelsey Plum to the Los Angeles Sparks for Jewell Loyd, losing Tiffany Hayes and Alysha Clark to free agency (signing with Golden State and Seattle respectively), and acquiring Dana Evans in free agency and NaLyssa Smith via trade.

Their performance has declined dramatically, holding a 12-13 record near the bottom of the playoff standings instead of leading the league. This was starkly highlighted in a 109-78 loss to the league-leading Minnesota Lynx (22-4), which exposed the Aces' struggles to integrate new players and compete with top contenders.

In the loss, only A'ja Wilson and Jackie Young scored in double figures for the Aces, while the Lynx had five double-digit scorers, including 20-point games from Napheesa Collier and Courtney Williams. Las Vegas shot poorly (38% FG, 30.8% 3PT) and couldn't match Minnesota's efficiency despite taking more shots. The Aces also suffered from a lack of production from starters beyond Wilson and Young.

This defeat marked their fifth loss to one of the league's top three teams (Phoenix, New York, Minnesota), with their only win against this group coming against Phoenix. The 31-point margin was their largest defeat of the season. While A'ja Wilson remains elite, leading the team in multiple categories, and Jackie Young, NaLyssa Smith, and rookie Aaliyah Nye have contributed positively, the supporting cast overall, including disappointing seasons from Chelsea Gray and Jewell Loyd, has been insufficient for consistent success.