Las Vegas Aces Addressing Racial Injustice While Piling Up Wins In WNBA’s Bradenton, Fla. Bubble
By Cassandra Cousineau for LVSportsBiz.com
The Las Vegas Aces clinched a playoff berth Saturday while staying the course with its social justice activism from inside the WNBA bubble. The 80-63 win over the last-place New York Liberty moved the Aces to 12-3 on the pandemic-shortened, 22-game regular season.
The team was back in action after its scheduled Thursday game against the first-place Seattle Storm was postponed by the league’s two-day stoppage in play in protest of racial injustice. Players opted to support the stoppage initiated in the NBA in response to the Kenosha, Wis., police shooting of Jacob Blake, a 29-year-old Black man, seven times in his back.
Aces star A’ja Wilson led the way with 20 points, seven rebounds and five blocks. After the game, head coach Bill Laimbeer told the media the win was the result of locking in on the other side of the court. “This team is known for its defense.” The statement is also reflective of how the Aces have handled implications resulting from a very strong and public anti-racism stance.
Earlier in the week, Laimbeer was filmed telling the team he was proud of them. When LVSportsBiz.com asked specifically what he was proud of, Laimbeer responded, “Foremost basketball. We didn’t know what was going to happen when we got here. They’ve really embraced the pressure, especially a player like A’ja Wilson. They’ve come here to compete towards a common goal and that’s been really fun to watch.”
Wilson and Aces player Angel McCoughtry addressed the media this week giving candid responses to the stoppage in play. “We continue to fight because we know change will happen,” said McCoughtry who has been at the forefront of the league’s racial justice wave.
Wilson echoed the sentiment. “I used the time [during the stoppage] to get educated. I have no idea how I could’ve played basketball this week. I’m not going to be silenced. I’m going to use my platform. That could be my dad, my brother, my boyfriend. It’s a lot to take it.”
Along with athletes representing the NBA, NHL, and MLS, the Aces support of Black Lives Matter and social justice reform hasn’t been fully embraced. A local Las Vegas Aces Facebook Fan Page has posted several times in opposition of the players alignment with BLM.
“We are fortunate that our ownership, MGM, is behind us,” Wilson added.
“If you’re more disappointed in us not playing rather than what’s going on in the streets, shame on you,” McCoughtry chimed in.
Aces off-the-bench star Dearica Hamby, who continues to provide valuable minutes when the first unit needs a burst of energy, poured in 17 points and 10 rebounds and also addressed the team’s perseverance.
“We’re here for something bigger than us. It’s been a blessing that we’re paid to play basketball, and we have a platform which is why we decided to stay and play through it.”
The Aces and Storm have been rescheduled for Sept. 13 which will be the last game of the regular season for both teams.
