Becky Hammon Commends NaLyssa Smith's Performance In Aces' Close Win Against Storm

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The Las Vegas Aces secured a 90-86 victory over the Seattle Storm, with NaLyssa Smith playing a pivotal role. Celebrating her birthday, Smith achieved a double-double, scoring 10 points and grabbing 12 rebounds. A'ja Wilson and Jackie Young also shone brightly, contributing 29 and 26 points respectively. This marked Smith's third double-double of the season and her career's 37th, as she surpassed 1,000 career rebounds.

Head coach Becky Hammon expressed admiration for Smith's performance since joining the team from the Dallas Wings in late June. "I thought this was probably her best game with us," said Hammon. Smith's contributions extended beyond the stats sheet, showcasing her ability to make deflections, communicate effectively, and find optimal positions on the court.

Hammon noted that Smith is adapting well to her role within the team. "We are having to talk to her a lot," Hammon mentioned, highlighting how Smith is becoming more comfortable in understanding her responsibilities. Her ability to stay out of foul trouble has been crucial, reflecting improvements in her post-defence skills.

Smith's dedication to improving has been evident since joining the Aces. Her intelligence and work ethic have driven significant progress in aligning with the team's strategies. "It is a tribute to her intelligence, her work ethic," Hammon stated, acknowledging Smith's determination to excel in their system.

The coach emphasised that Smith's efforts were instrumental in securing their recent win. Her overall contribution went beyond scoring and rebounding, as she played a key role in various aspects of the game. The team's success was partly due to Smith's growing confidence and understanding of what is expected from her on the court.