WASHINGTON – The Las Vegas Aces made their share of history this week.
Two-time WNBA MVP A’ja Wilson tied the record for most points in a single game (53) on Tuesday. Vegas became the first team in league history to win 30 games in a season with a victory Thursday night in Chicago. And on Friday, Vice President Kamala Harris welcomed the Aces to the White House to celebrate their 2022 WNBA title – the first professional championship won by a Nevada team.
“Yeah, it was 53 points in one game,” said Harris, who hosted the ceremony with President Joe Biden on vacation.
“In 33 minutes,” Aces head coach Becky Hammon said from her spot on the risers.
“In 33 minutes!” Harris — who noted earlier that she and Wilson were in the same sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha — responded as those in the East Room laughed. “Thank you, coach.”
In addition to their success on the court, Harris used most of her remarks to praise the efforts of the Aces, and the WNBA as a whole, on issues of social justice, voting rights, equal pay and the “fierce” mobilization during the Phoenix Mercury. the unjustified detention of attacker Brittney Griner in Russia last year.
“The WNBA is more than a basketball league,” Harris said. “You inspire our youth and citizens across our country to dream with ambition. You are living the truth that women belong in every room and on every field.
“Our nation is stronger because of your leadership.”
Wilson and 2022 Finals MVP Chelsea Gray presented Harris with a No. 49 Aces jersey, and team president Nikki Fargas thanked Harris and the White House for their hospitality.
As the vice president left the room and the team remained on the risers, an orchestral version of “We Are The Champions” was played. It only took a few notes before Wilson and the rest of the organization began swaying back and forth in unison, right in time.
And they’ll keep dancing all the way to the playoffs, with a second straight championship in their sights.
