The player interviews in between quarters are a strange aspect of WNBA playoff broadcasts, and usually not worthwhile. But after the third quarter of the Las Vegas Aces’ 97-83 Game 1 win over the Dallas Wings in Game 1 of their semi-final playoff series on Sunday, that trend changed.
Aces star A’ja Wilson, who was presented with the Defensive Player of the Year trophy prior to the game and finished with 34 points, eight rebounds and four blocks, came over to the camera and asked for a second to catch her breath. Visibly exhausted, Wilson then explained her state and the key to the Aces’ success in the frame.
“Running,” Wilson said. “That’s why I’m out of breath now. Just running, making sure we keep them on their toes, cause they’re gonna do the same to us. Just running, pushing the pace, and finding the open person.”
While not the most memorable quote of all time, it was interesting to hear Wilson explain the Aces’ strategy during the middle of the game and to see so clearly how much work it was taking to implement. After a competitive first half, the Aces literally ran away from the Wings, building up a double-digit lead that they would not relinquish.
During the regular season, the Aces…
