New-look starting lineup, red-hot star propelling Aces in time for Liberty
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The Aces (18-14) entered Wednesday's game against the Liberty (21-11) riding a four-game winning streak and have won six of their past seven games, with a plus-40 point differential.
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The current hot streak comes after the team replaced a streaky Jewell Loyd in the starting lineup for career backup Kierstan Bell.
It also helps that the Aces employ A'ja Wilson, who's vying for her fourth league MVP award. Wilson has been on a tear. Over the past seven games, she averaged 22.2 points, 11.1 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.4 blocks.
A'ja Wilson celebrates after she making a basket to beat the shot clock late in the fourth quarter of the Ace's home win over the Sun on Aug. 10, 2025.
Getty Images
Two days ago she became the first player in WNBA history to record 30 points and 20 rebounds in a game.
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Wilson's current play earned the reigning league MVP her third Western Conference player of the week nod.
Earlier this season, the Aces struggled to build any sort of momentum. Loyd, whom the Aces acquired in a three-team trade that sent Kelsey Plum to Los Angeles, didn't prove to be a reliable secondary scoring option as the team had hoped.
But the Aces seem to be getting it together as the postseason draws near.
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As of Wednesday afternoon, they are currently fifth in the league standings.
They're two games ahead of the Storm, who currently hold the final playoff spot, and three games ahead of the Sparks, who are the first team out of the playoff picture.
Kierstan Bell celebrates during the Ace's blowout home win over the Valkyries on Aug. 3, 2025.
NBAE via Getty Images
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Though the Aces have dropped off from one season ago — their offensive and defensive ratings hover around league average — they may have found a bit of magic with this new starting lineup.
It's also hard to count out any team that has Wilson on it.
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