LAS VEGAS ― Las Vegas Aces guard Jackie Young didn’t have her usual energy during Game 1 of the WNBA Finals. Young scored 10 points, a departure from her 20.6 average during this postseason.
Aces head coach Becky Hammon said after a grueling five-game semifinal series with the Indiana Fever, Young was experiencing “a little bit of fatigue” and, atypically, asked for rest during Game 1. The Aces coach kept Young out of practice Saturday before Game 2, telling the media she would be “good to go.”
“Good to go” was an understatement. Young’s 32-point, eight-rebound outing, including the most points in a single quarter (21) in WNBA Finals history, helped the Aces rout of the Phoenix Mercury and take a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series. The Finals shift to Phoenix for Game 3 on Wednesday (8 p.m. ET, ESPN).
‘I don’t know where Jackie [Young] was Game 1, but I’m glad she showed up Game 2,’ Aces teammate A’ja Wilson said postgame. ‘… This is what she lives for. This is why she works so hard. To see her thrive and be so successful in this place, it really warms my heart. I’m grateful to be alongside her, and she’s doing exactly what she needs to be doing.’
While everyone has rightfully been raving about Wilson’s MVP season, Young has been there, too, often putting up huge performances. Wilson might be the Aces’ engine, but Young is the gas this that makes the car zip around at high speeds.
It was the four-time All-Star who had the game-winning shot against the Seattle Storm in the first round of the playoffs, catapulting Las Vegas into the semifinals. She also averaged 25 points, seven assists and a steal during the final three games of the Indiana series, including a 32-point, 10-assist double-double, to help Las Vegas get to the WNBA Finals.
Phoenix Mercury guard Kahleah Copper was asked what makes Young so tough to guard. ‘One thing about me, I love a two-way player. I think Jackie [Young] takes pride in that. Never ducking smoke. When you’re able to get 30 and then go guard the other team’s best player, that’s amazing, ‘ Copper told USA TODAY Sports.
The Phoenix guard praised Young for being an ‘unselfish player’ who is always looking to create. Copper said Young makes the big-time plays and that, from being the No. 1 pick in 2019 until now, she’s evolved her game every season.
Las Vegas guard Chelsea Gray called Young ‘the best two-way guard in the league’ who brings production in a variety of ways, including distributing the basketball. Aces guard Jewell Loyd revealed to USA TODAY that she told Young ‘she was the best guard in the league, and it’s not even close.’ Loyd said Young’s growth this season has been critical.
‘She’s realizing she can build more on her game,’ Loyd said. ‘… It might be easy to learn how to become a shooter, do layups, playing in the 15-foot [or] 12-foot area, and then coming back out and becoming a shooter is really tough. It’s not comfortable, and so, for her to build that confidence, and knowing that she can do everything, it’s been really cool to see.
‘She still has so much growth. It’s scary.’
Young has been a part of two WNBA championship teams in Vegas but this feels different. Hammon said there are simply more opportunities in 2025 for the Aces guard to contribute, especially with Kelsey Plum moving to the Los Angeles Sparks in the offseason.
Wilson insists there is no ceiling for Young as she’s effectively shattered it all season. The Las Vegas forward was adamant every guard who wants to make it to the W should watch Young’s work ethic. Wilson said she has pushed her teammate because she knows Young is capable of even more.
USA TODAY asked Wilson to share some of the positive affirmations she’s given Young over the course of the season. ‘Without cussing?’ Wilson joked before delivering these memorable words.
‘Remember who you are,’ Wilson said ‘Don’t let any basket ― don’t let anything shake you from who you are and how far you’ve come and how hard you’ve worked to get to this point. And don’t let someone just rob it. Don’t let anyone dim your light.’