Supported by Google: Suffice it to say, the Las Vegas Aces are in rarefied air as they stare down the second half of the league calendar. How exactly can they be beaten? ✍️ sabreenajm
all make at least half of their shots — the simplest way to slow down the Aces is by limiting their attempts. In each of Las Vegas’ losses this season, the Aces took 60 shots. They have four more single-digit wins, far below their 15.3-point average margin of victory, when they take 66 or fewer shots. It’s a lot easier to stay in the game when the best offense in the league doesn’t have as many chances to put the ball in the basket.
Turnovers are Hammon’s most common source of angst, and the Aces will regularly reference their coach’s colorful language in halftime speeches to get them to stop giving up the ball. They’re so deadly with the ball in their hands that it’s easy to understand why the coaches get frustrated at their inability to hold on to it.
Much of that flow comes in transition, which is why it’s imperative to keep Las Vegas out of the open floor. Setting aside the fact that the Aces are bound to create highlights, and therefore momentum, on fast-break plays, they’re also damn good with a little bit of pace. This is an offense that relies on reading and reacting, and that’s easier before the defense is set. Force Las Vegas to attack in the halfcourt, and the combination of three No.