After leading the Las Vegas Aces to their third WNBA championship in four years, head coach Becky Hammon took a moment to give credit where it was due — to the Indiana Fever.
Speaking to reporters following the Aces’ Finals sweep over the Phoenix Mercury, Hammon reflected on her team’s toughest test of the postseason — their dramatic five-game Semifinal series against the Fever.
> “It didn’t feel great in the arena, after barely beating Indiana,” Hammon said. “But when you go back and watch those games, it wasn’t that we played bad — it’s that they played great. Indiana played great.”
Hammon praised the Fever’s effort and execution, highlighting individual performances from Kelsey Mitchell, Aliyah Boston, Odyssey Sims, and Shey Peddy. Despite missing stars Caitlin Clark and Sophie Cunningham due to injuries — and losing Mitchell mid-game — the Fever pushed the defending champs to overtime in Game 5 before falling just short.
> “They’re a formidable bunch,” Hammon added. “Sometimes you just gotta pat them on the back and say good job, and run back on defense.”
The comments were unprompted, as Hammon shifted the conversation to recognize the Fever’s grit and growth under coach Christie Sides.
For the Aces, Hammon’s third title in four seasons cements her as one of the most successful coaches in WNBA history. But her sportsmanship and respect for opponents show why she’s also one of the league’s most admired figures.
And for Indiana, the praise from a champion like Hammon signals one thing — the Fever’s 
future is bright.
