Aces: A'ja Wilson Fires Back at Haters Who Doubted Las Vegas in WNBA Finals

(Photo : Sarah Stier/Getty Images) NEW YORK, NEW YORK - A'ja Wilson (#22) of the Las Vegas Aces speaks in a press conference after defeating the New York Liberty during Game Four of the 2023 WNBA Finals at Barclays Center on October 18, 2023 in New York City. The Aces defeated the Liberty 70-69.

The Las Vegas Aces have reached basketball glory again after defeating the New York Liberties in four games of the WNBA Finals.

Celebrations continue for the Aces for their second straight title, but they have time for those who doubted them.

A'ja Wilson addressed critics who thought her team's campaign from last year was a fluke.

"We're ready when our name is called, and we kept the main thing, the main thing," Wilson said.

"This s--- wasn't easy at all. A lot of people counted us out. A lot of people counted us out from jump ... that just fueled us."

Wilson was named the 2023 WNBA Finals MVP as she dominated the series with New York, wrapping it up with a 24-point and 16-rebound outing in the series-clinching win.

Nobody can 'crack this group' anymore

Becky Hammon was added to the list of rookie coaches who won a professional basketball title last year, but she might be in a league of her own by winning back-to-back in her first two years.

Many were quick to point out how fundamental and great Hammon is as a coach, but she is quick to deflect the credit and praise her players who persevered despite the obstacles.

She believes a fractured Aces still winning the title only made them unconquerable. Hammon said nobody can "crack this group" anymore.

"We had plenty of time to fall apart. But because of their character and the culture we built, you can't crack this group. You just can't."