Aces Coach Becky Hammon Sits Starters in WNBA Game Against Liberty

In a WNBA game on August 10, 2026, the Las Vegas Aces faced the New York Liberty in Brooklyn. Aces head coach Becky Hammon did not play three usual starters—A’ja Wilson, Chelsea Gray, and Jackie Young—citing player health and safety as reasons for the decision. Instead, Jewell Loyd, Dana Evans, and Brianna Turner started the game. Hammon defended her choice after the Aces lost 111-71, emphasizing the need for load management due to a short turnaround after a previous game against the Minnesota Lynx. The Aces played their last game on Saturday at 1 p.m. ET and faced the Liberty the following day at 12:30 p.m. ET. The WNBA's collective bargaining agreement includes provisions for scheduling that aim to ensure adequate rest for players between back-to-back games. The Aces' situation raised questions about the league's scheduling practices, particularly for nationally televised games.