New assistant ‘hugely important’ to Aces’ success in coach’s challenges

The Las Vegas Aces possess an exceptional record on coach's challenges this WNBA season, particularly since the All-Star Break. They are 18-3 overall on challenges and a perfect 6-0 since the break, making them the league's best team in this metric. Players signal potential challenges to the bench in various ways, such as Jackie Young and Kierstan Bell frantically spinning their fingers or Chelsea Gray reacting dramatically to a call.

Head coach Becky Hammon emphasizes the crucial impact of these challenge decisions, noting they can alter the game by taking points off the opponent's board, adding points for the Aces, or securing a vital possession. She attributes much of their challenge success to assistant coach John Lucas III, hired in January as a player development specialist, praising his "really good eye" and talent for identifying reviewable plays.

Under WNBA rules, coaches can initiate one replay review per game, gaining a second challenge only if the first is successful. Challenges require an available timeout and can only be used for specific calls: out-of-bounds, goaltending/basket interference, or fouls called on their own team. While Lucas is "basically in charge" of deciding when to challenge, Hammon noted he consults with the entire coaching staff, who each provide input through their "different lens," before Lucas makes the final call. His role in player development, involving significant "one-on-one time" with each player, also benefits his perspective from the bench.