A’ja Wilson reveals epic message from Tom Brady before Aces home opener

The Las Vegas Aces started their season opener with more than just a victory. They celebrated their back-to-back championships with a banner reveal, received their championship rings and had a motivational pep talk from none other than seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady. Before their home opener against the Phoenix Mercury on Tuesday, Aces minority owner Brady shared an inspiring message in the locker room that resonated deeply with Finals MVP A’ja Wilson.

“He said, ‘The banners will always be there, so you don’t have to try to defend them.’ Just go do what you did,” Wilson said, according to ESPN’s Michael Voepel. “This message made the evening for me. Because I feel like we’re so caught up in like, “Oh, my God, we have to do three rounds.” But this banner will be there forever. My ring will stay in the trophy box forever. Let me focus on getting better, and then everything else will happen.

Brady’s advice seemed to resonate with the team as they beat the Mercury 89-80. Wilson led the charge with 30 points, 13 rebounds and five assists, demonstrating the determination and focus put forward by Brady.

Aces coach Becky Hammon revealed she kept Brady’s visit a secret from the players in order to surprise them.

“I thought it would be cool to bring in a sports personality who not only is invested in our team, but also knows a few things about winning,” Hammon said. “Just let him speak. He’s someone who stayed where he sat – chasing the story and trying to be the greatest.

Hammon’s decision paid off as the players received an unexpected boost thanks to Brady’s words.

“These things don’t happen by chance. You really have to be intentional in your work, in your approach… And in your desire to win the moments. We are certainly happy that he came to share some of his knowledge, passion and true love for women’s sports,” Hammon added.

The last team to win three consecutive titles was the Houston Comets

Aces owner Mark Davis, who was in attendance alongside Brady and WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, echoed the team’s ambitious mindset during the pregame ceremony , during which the Aces also showed off their new silver and black uniforms, mirroring those of Davis’ other Las. The Vegas team, the Raiders.

“Not only are we back, but we are two-time consecutive world champions. All I can say is go three rounds,” Davis told the sold-out crowd at Michelob Ultra Arena.

Engelbert, choosing to attend the Aces’ opener rather than Caitlin Clark’s debut with the Indiana Fever, stressed the importance of celebrating champions.

“My favorite part of my job is presenting the trophy and, the following year, handing out the rings,” Engelbert said. “So it’s important – back-to-back champions.”

The Aces aim to become the first WNBA team since the House Comets (1997-2000) to win three consecutive titles.

“It’s going to be a lot of tough games,” Wison said. “We have something that people want. We must try to continue to improve.

Jackie Young and Kelsey Plum contribute to Aces victory

In addition to Wilson’s 30 points, Jackie Young and Kelsey Plum contributed 23 and 19, respectively, helping secure the victory for Las Vegas.

Despite a strong start where the Aces went on a 21-3 run to take an early lead, the Mercury fought back, closing the gap to 42-41 at halftime. Diana Taurasi led Phoenix with 23 points, according to the Associated Press. The game remained close until the fourth quarter when the Aces managed to pull away slightly. However, the Mercury staged a late rally, closing the gap to three points with just over a minute remaining.

In the final moments, Kiah Stokes and Young secured the victory for the Aces by making crucial free throws. Both teams faced challenges, with the Aces missing point guard Chelsea Gray due to injury and the Mercury without Brittney Griner, sidelined with a broken toe.

The largest crowd ever at Michelob Ultra Arena, 10,419, witnessed the victory and celebrated the team’s recent title by singing “We are the Champions” during the first timeout.

Besides Brady and Engelbert, Las Vegas Raider Antonio Pierce was among the notable participants in the game.