Aces news: Candace Parker toasts passing the torch to ‘GOAT’ A’ja Wilson before retiring appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The past generation of sports legends always look forward to the next generation of legends to pass the torch to. That is exactly what WNBA legend Candace Parker did with Las Vegas Aces superstar A’ja Wilson.
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Parker garners a big following as one of the greatest players to ever play in the WNBA. In 2016, she led the Los Angeles Sparks to win their first WNBA Finals title since 2002 and won the WNBA Finals MVP Award. In 2021, she helped the Chicago Sky win their first title. She won her third title in 2023 with the Aces. Parker won two WNBA MVP Awards (2008, 2013), a WNBA All-Star Game MVP Award (2013), two Olympic gold medals (2008, 2012), and the WNBA Rookie of the Year Award (2008). She was selected to six All-WNBA teams and five All-Star teams, and was the first player to win the Rookie of the Year and the MVP awards in the same season.
This weekend saw Parker make her induction speech for the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. During her speech, she gave special recognition to Wilson, who she believes will carry on the legacy she built moving forward.
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“Full circle. I came in as a rookie with Lisa Leslie and her greatness…and I got to pass the torch to a GOAT in A’ja Wilson on my way out,” Parker said.
How A’ja Wilson, Aces played against Lynx
A’ja Wilson will certainly take that praise from Candace Parker to heart. Currently shining as a superstar in the WNBA, Wilson has surely built a strong resume that will get her to the Hall of Fame.
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In the meantime, Wilson and the Aces came up short in a 92-87 home loss to the Minnesota Lynx on Saturday night. Four players scored in double-digits for Las Vegas in the loss, including Wilson. She led the attack with a stat line of 32 points, seven rebounds, two steals, one assist, and a block. She shot 10-of-15 from the field, including 1-of-3 from beyond the arc, and 11-of-12 from the free-throw line. NaLyssa Smith came next with 17 points and 12 rebounds, Chelsea Gray had 12 points and nine assists, while Jewell Loyd provided 10 points and three rebounds.
Las Vegas fell to a 24-12 record on the season, sitting at third place in the Western Conference standings. They are above the Dallas Wings and the Portland Fire while trailing the Golden State Valkyries and the Lynx.
The Aces will look to bounce back in their next matchup, remaining at home. They host the Atlanta Dream as tip-off commences on Aug. 18 at 9 p.m. ET.
Related: Aces join Lynx in playoffs after tough win over Mystics
