Becky Hammon defends resting Aces stars against New York Liberty

Becky Hammon, head coach of the Las Vegas Aces, has defended her decision to rest key players A’ja Wilson, Chelsea Gray, and Jackie Young during the team's game against the New York Liberty on August 9. This follows a loss to Minnesota that occurred less than 24 hours prior, raising concerns about player health and safety. Hammon emphasized that the Aces aim to prioritize player well-being amidst a demanding schedule. Despite the backlash regarding player availability for marquee games, she directed grievances to the league office. The WNBA faces ongoing scheduling challenges, and a longer 50-game season is set to begin in 2027 as part of a new collective bargaining agreement. Hammon's decision reflects a broader issue concerning player participation policies in the league.

• 6:45 PMYahoo Sports — Becky Hammon defends resting star players for nationally televised game