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Aces' Becky Hammon slams defense after 'intruder' reaches kitchen in lopsided loss
TL;DR
Becky Hammon criticized the Las Vegas Aces' defense after a 99-66 loss to the Phoenix Mercury, highlighting poor conditioning and a lack of attention to detail. She likened the defensive lapse to an intruder reaching the kitchen without being stopped.
Key points
- Becky Hammon criticized the Aces' defense after a loss
- Aces lost 99-66 to the Phoenix Mercury
- Team allowed 31 points in the first quarter
- Hammon highlighted poor conditioning and attention to detail
- Defense compared to an intruder reaching a kitchen
Mentioned in this story
Becky HammonLas Vegas
Las Vegas AcesPhoenix Mercury
Las Vegas Aces Head Coach Becky Hammon talks to the media after an introductory press conference for Jewell Lloyd and Elizabeth Kitley, Tuesday February 25, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nev.
The Phoenix Mercury defeated the Las Vegas Aces 99-66 on Saturday, ruining the defending champions’ title ring celebration. Coach Becky Hammon called the season-opening performance unacceptable after a first-quarter defensive lapse allowed Phoenix to dominate. The Aces surrendered 31 points in the opening quarter.
According to Hammon, the tail of the tape for the loss was the team’s poor conditioning and lack of attention to detail. The lack of ball pressure was put under the spotlight by her, as she said the defense gave away too much of the court. Hammon compared the defense to an intruder reaching a kitchen refrigerator because no one stopped them at the fence.
"It’s like trying to stop an intruder to get to your refrigerator and they’re already in your kitchen," Hammon explained in the postgame. "You’ve got to meet them outside the white picket fence and start defending from there before they start... getting through the front lawn and through the front door."
The three-time WNBA champion coach warned that the team must avoid the slow start that hindered them last season.
A'ja Wilson scored 19 points and grabbed four rebounds in the defeat. Wilson admitted that the pressure of defending a title makes the crown feel heavier for the roster.
Q&A
What did Becky Hammon say about the Aces' defense after the loss?
Becky Hammon described the Aces' defense as unacceptable, emphasizing poor conditioning and a lack of ball pressure.
How did the Phoenix Mercury defeat the Las Vegas Aces?
The Phoenix Mercury defeated the Las Vegas Aces 99-66, capitalizing on a defensive lapse that allowed 31 points in the first quarter.
What analogy did Hammon use to describe the Aces' defensive issues?
Hammon compared the defensive failure to an intruder reaching a kitchen refrigerator, indicating that the team failed to stop the offense before they got too close.
What was the significance of the Aces' loss to the Mercury?
The loss to the Mercury not only marked a poor season opener for the Aces but also spoiled their title ring celebration.
