A’ja Wilson & LV Aces Get Stephen A. Smith’s Backing Despite New York Roots, All Thanks to Liberty’s “Mistake”

The Las Vegas Aces started this season with the intention of securing their third consecutive championship title. However, as the season progressed, the Aces failed to live up to the hype and ended the regular season 27-13. Three of these losses were to the 2023 Finalists: the New York Liberty.

This led many to believe that the Liberty would upend them in the upcoming best-of-5 series during the 2024 WNBA semifinals. However, ESPN journalist Stephen A. Smith has thrown his support behind the Aces, predicting that they will win the series and advance to the Finals.

On Thursday’s ESPN ‘First Take’, Smith gave his reasons for supporting the Aces, providing a fresh perspective for fans. Despite the Liberty's previous victories over the Aces, Smith highlighted the Aces' status as reigning defending WNBA Champions and the presence of A’ja Wilson, whom he described as "the best player on the planet."

He also noted the Aces' strong performance in the second half of the season and their recent victory over the Seattle Storm in the playoffs.

The Aces had a slow start to the season, but they improved significantly, with A’ja Wilson emerging as their primary two-way star.

After the Olympics break, the Aces demonstrated their mettle by winning 11 games versus 5 losses. Smith emphasized that the regular season results may not reflect the Aces' true potential in the playoffs, where they are the reigning champions.

Despite being a New Yorker and a fan of all things New York, Smith acknowledged that he believes the Aces, led by A’ja Wilson and her teammates, will win the series. He emphasized Wilson's exceptional skills and her ability to elevate her level of play when it matters most.

A’ja Wilson, who started this season with a purpose to avenge herself of the MVP snub last year, has raised both her defensive and offensive skills. She became the first player to surpass the 1000-point mark in a single season and led the league in rebounds, points, and blocks.

This exceptional performance led Smith, who was born in New York, to pledge his allegiance to Vegas over his home city’s franchise.

Sue Bird, a 5-time Olympic gold medalist, recently praised A’ja Wilson, stating that she deserved to be included in the greatest of all time (GOAT) debate. Wilson's on-court performances this season have garnered recognition from fellow players and basketball legends alike.

As the Aces prepare to face off against the Liberty in the upcoming best-of-5 series, Wilson's exceptional skills and leadership are expected to pose a significant challenge to the first-seeded team.

With her impressive accolades and contributions to the Aces' success, Wilson has solidified her position as one of the top players in WNBA history.

As the anticipation builds for the upcoming series, fans are eager to witness A’ja Wilson and the Las Vegas Aces take on the New York Liberty. The clash between these two powerhouse teams promises to be an exhilarating showdown, with both sides vying for a spot in the Finals.

In conclusion, despite initial doubts about the Aces' prospects in the playoffs, Stephen A. Smith's backing of A’ja Wilson and the Las Vegas Aces has sparked renewed confidence in their ability to overcome the New York Liberty. As the stage is set for an intense battle on the basketball court, all eyes will be on Wilson and her teammates as they strive to secure their third consecutive championship title.