Aces’ Dream Preview: Can Wilson Lead the Team to a Timely Recovery at Home After Three Consecutive Losses?

On August 31, the regular season of the WNBA continues with the Aces hosting the Dream.

The Aces suffered a reversal in their last game against the Wings, missing out on the league title, and have been performing quite poorly recently. They currently stand fifth in the league with 18 wins and 15 losses. As last season’s champions, the Aces’ overall performance has declined significantly this season. Last year, they dominated the regular season with 34 wins and 6 losses, ranking first, and maintained their strength in the playoffs, only losing one game in the finals, winning the championship with a 3-1 victory over the Liberty.

This season, the Aces naturally hope to retain their title. However, from their current performance and state, it seems very challenging. During the off-season, the Aces retained the core lineup of defending champions, including Wilson, Plum, Jackie Young, and Gray. The three top draft picks gathered together, but due to various factors including injuries, the Aces have not demonstrated their strong control.

Of course, the Aces still perform very strongly in scoring, averaging 87.3 points per game, which ranks first in the league. However, there are significant defensive issues, conceding an average of 82.4 points per game. This is the main reason why the Aces cannot maintain a leading position in the league. Fortunately, the Aces maintain good efficiency in outside shooting and ball control. They can hit an average of 9.4 three-pointers per game, ranking among the top in the league, and can control turnovers to an average of 11.5, the lowest in the league. Only three players on the Aces score double digits on average, with Wilson averaging 26.6 points and 11.9 rebounds, Plum 18 points and 4.3 assists, and Jackie Young 17.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5 assists.

In their last game, they faced the Wings, who were also in poor form recently, away from home. The Aces led for most of the time, but lost by 11 points in the final quarter with a score difference of 21-32. In the entire game, Wilson was in hot form but could not carry the team alone. She made 16 out of 22 shots, missed both three-point attempts, made 10 out of 13 free throws, and scored the highest 42 points, with 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 3 blocks, 1 turnover, and 2 fouls. Only three players on the team scored double digits. The other starters, Jackie Young, scored 17 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists, while Gray contributed 15 points and 5 rebounds. In terms of rebounding, the Aces were thoroughly overwhelmed. This is not the familiar “champion team,” but we must admit that the Aces’ dominance is declining.

Meanwhile, the Dream lost to the Storm in their last game, suffering three consecutive defeats, temporarily ranking ninth in the league with 10 wins and 20 losses. Besides their very poor offensive performance, the Dream’s defensive performance is also mediocre. Their outside shooting is very low, with an average three-point shooting percentage of only 30.6%, and free throws are one of the Dream’s main offensive sources, with an average of 15.6 points coming from the free-throw line.

Last season, the Dream ranked fifth in the regular season and entered the playoffs. They were swept by the Wings in the first round of the playoffs and failed to reach the semi-finals. During the off-season, the Dream made certain adjustments to their lineup, renewing Kofi’s contract, bringing in Kenada from the Sparks, signing Tina Charles, bringing in Dangerfield from the Wings, and introducing Powers from the Lynx. However, the Dream also lost some players, such as Daniel Robinson, Billings, Mc Donald, and Rupert. In addition, the Dream selected Nia Duffie Pouj, Isabelle Bonnas, and Matilda Villas in the draft.

From their current state, the Dream must adjust quickly, or they may not make it into the playoffs this season. Four players on the Dream score double digits on average, with Howard averaging 16.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.2 assists, Gray 16 points, Charles 14.6 points and 9.1 rebounds, and Canada 10.3 points and 6.2 assists. In their last game, the Dream narrowly lost to the Storm 81-85. In the crucial moments of the game, the Dream had a 15-4 offensive surge to close the gap, but ultimately fell short. Four players on the team scored double digits, with Gray scoring 22 points and 5 rebounds, Charles performing comprehensively with a triple-double of 19 points, 17 rebounds, and 10 assists, while Howard had a poor shooting night, scoring only 12 points and 4 assists, and Canada contributing 12 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists. The team fell into a passive situation again in the final quarter and eventually lost by 4 points.

The Aces and the Dream have met twice this season. Compared to last season’s one-sided situation, the Dream managed to win a comeback at home. In their most recent game, the Aces defeated the Dream 84-70. Led by Wilson’s explosive 33 points and 18 rebounds, the Aces won convincingly, while the Dream relied on the usual few scorers, with Charles scoring 12 points and 12 rebounds, but no absolute standout. Notably, the Dream had a significant advantage in rebounding in this game.

It is understood that for this game, the Dream’s Pulis and Bowes, Parker will be absent due to injury. It remains to be seen whether the Aces can recover promptly at home.

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