Becky Hammon defends Aces stars sitting out during back-to-back game
Key Points:
- Las Vegas Aces head coach Becky Hammon made a surprising decision to rest key starters A’ja Wilson, Chelsea Gray, and Jackie Young during a nationally televised game against the New York Liberty, citing player health and safety amid a demanding back-to-back road schedule.
- The Aces lost 111-71 to the Liberty, with Hammon defending her choice as a strategic move to preserve her team’s energy and avoid injury, despite the game’s high-profile nature.
- The WNBA’s collective bargaining agreement requires at least 20 hours between back-to-back games, and the league guideline suggests a minimum of 22 hours with limited travel; however, the Aces had less than 24 hours between their Saturday and Sunday games, including significant travel.
- Liberty players acknowledged Hammon’s decision as understandable, emphasizing the importance of player well-being even as competitors desire to face full-strength opponents.
- With the WNBA expanding to a 50-game season next year, Hammon’s move may signal a broader message about scheduling challenges and the need for prioritizing player health over television exposure.