HENDERSON, Nev. (AP) — A parade is scheduled for Friday in Las Vegas to celebrate a championship victory that seemed unlikely just months ago. But at the forefront of the celebration will be the architect behind it all — coach Becky Hammon, who has proven once again that she is one of the best to ever coach in the WNBA.
In leading the Las Vegas Aces to their third championship in four seasons, Hammon has etched her name alongside the greats of the league’s history. Her coaching prowess has elevated the Aces to dynasty status, and her third WNBA title ties her with Bill Laimbeer, the former Detroit Shock coach, and places her just behind legends Van Chancellor and Cheryl Reeve, who both have four championships.
Hammon’s place in the conversation about the greatest WNBA coaches of all time is now undeniable. Her impressive postseason record speaks for itself: an astonishing 10-2 mark in the WNBA Finals, and an equally remarkable 9-1 playoff series record that even surpasses the legendary Phil Jackson’s 86.2% winning percentage in the NBA. When it comes to high-stakes basketball, Hammon is nearly unbeatable.
A Championship Built on Adjustments and Trust
One of the most memorable moments from this year’s championship run came in the opening game of the Finals against the Phoenix Mercury. With the Aces trailing, Hammon made a bold move that showcased her coaching ingenuity. Despite her team not having practiced it, Hammon called for a zone defense in the second half, surprising Phoenix and throwing their offense off balance. The switch helped the Aces mount a comeback, ultimately securing a vital Game 1 victory.
Even in moments where the Aces were struggling, Hammon’s strategic brilliance never faltered. In Game 3, with the score tied and only seconds remaining, the Aces found themselves in a tough spot. With the game on the line, Hammon called a timeout, knowing the situation required a perfect play. She drew up a final possession that put the ball in the hands of four-time MVP A’ja Wilson, who delivered a clutch shot with just 0.3 seconds left on the clock, clinching the series for the Aces.
“She’s like the queen of adjustments,” said Aces point guard Chelsea Gray. “She’s got so many tricks and philosophies and different things that she can do in the playoffs. I’ll take us in a series any day.”
But Hammon’s success is not limited to strategy alone. While drawing up plays and making in-game adjustments are part of her expertise, she often emphasizes the importance of leadership and understanding her players. Hammon’s ability to connect with her team, particularly through tough times, played a major role in the Aces’ ability to turn their season around.
A Season of Adversity and Growth
The 2025 season was one of the most challenging of Hammon’s tenure in Las Vegas. At one point, the Aces were sitting at a mediocre 14-14 record, and they had just suffered a humiliating 53-point loss to the Minnesota Lynx — the worst home defeat in WNBA history. At that point, many questioned whether the Aces were headed for a rebuild instead of another title run.
But Hammon refused to let the team crumble. She kept the Aces together, instilling confidence in her core players and rallying them to finish the regular season with a 16-game winning streak. That turnaround was one of Hammon’s greatest achievements as a coach, and it helped catapult her team to yet another title.
“Yeah, this season had less to do with ‘X’s and O’s’ and more to do with what 90% of coaching is, which is managing people,” Hammon reflected. “It’s about trying to articulate, trying to get the group to be cohesive, to be a group. It was a lot more mental and emotional — reading the room and figuring out what my team needed from me. Do they need me to be strong? Do they need my fire? Do they need my confidence? Do they need my discipline? Do they need hugs?”
Hammon’s ability to adapt her leadership style to the emotional and psychological needs of her players was key to the Aces’ resilience. She developed strong trust with veterans like A’ja Wilson, Chelsea Gray, and Jackie Young, which allowed her to push them hard when necessary while also providing the support and understanding they needed during difficult stretches.
Fostering Trust and Team Unity
Building trust and unity has always been a central tenet of Hammon’s coaching philosophy. Even with newcomers joining the team, Hammon found ways to integrate them into the Aces’ system, helping them understand the importance of collaboration over individual success. This team-first mentality, coupled with a shared belief in Hammon’s leadership, helped bring out the best in every player.
“Becky’s heart and her mind about the game, it’s always about the next person,” said A’ja Wilson, the team’s star forward. “Our motto this year was ‘others.’ We always wanted to focus on other people because it’s not going to be just you that wins a championship. It’s not going to be just you that wins a game. It’s going to take everybody.”
This selfless approach has resonated deeply with the Aces, and it has been a key reason behind their continued success. Hammon made sure her players understood that the team’s success relied on collective effort, and she created a culture where everyone felt valued and supported.
Hammon’s Impact on the Aces Organization
Since becoming the Aces’ head coach in 2021, Hammon has completely transformed the team. Under her guidance, the Aces have become a dominant force in the WNBA, blending individual talent with a cohesive, well-oiled system. Her leadership has helped elevate players like Wilson, Gray, and Young to new heights, and her ability to manage egos and maintain team harmony has been critical to the Aces’ sustained success.
In 2022, Aces owner Mark Davis made Hammon the league’s first $1 million-a-year coach, a move that has clearly paid dividends. The team’s championship pedigree, along with their dominant regular-season records, proves that the investment in Hammon was money well spent.
Yet, Hammon remains humble, refusing to entertain discussions about her place in WNBA coaching history. She prefers to focus on the present and the future, always seeking ways to improve herself and her team.
“I never want to get stagnant and not have growth,” Hammon said. “I try to stay away from comparisons in general. I just try to be myself, be the best version of myself, and be the best coach I can be for the players I’m leading. I don’t think about rankings or numbers.”
Looking Forward
As the Aces prepare for their championship parade and reflect on their incredible journey, one thing is clear: Becky Hammon is not just a successful coach; she is a trailblazer. Her leadership, ability to adapt, and unwavering commitment to her players have not only delivered another championship but have also solidified her legacy as one of the WNBA’s all-time greats.
The Aces’ future remains bright, and with Hammon at the helm, they will undoubtedly continue to be one of the most dominant teams in the league for years to come.
