[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 177 (Thursday, October 26, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1024]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CELEBRATING THE LAS VEGAS ACES FOR WINNING THE 2023 WOMEN'S NATIONAL 
                  BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION CHAMPIONSHIP

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                            HON. DINA TITUS

                               of nevada

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 26, 2023

  Ms. TITUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge and congratulate 
the Las Vegas Aces on winning the 2023 Women's National Basketball 
Association Finals.
  On October 18, 2023, the Las Vegas Aces defeated the New York 
Liberty, 70-69, in Game 4 of the WNBA Finals. The Aces won the 
championship three games to one and became the first professional team 
in Nevada to win two championships. They won despite two of their 
starters being out with injuries, star guard Chelsea Gray and center 
Kiah Stokes.
  They also became the first WNBA team in 21 years to win consecutive 
championships.
  Hall of Fame head coach Becky Hammon led the team to victory and 
became the third coach in either the NBA or WNBA to win two 
championships in her first two seasons.
  Even before the playoffs, the Aces had an incredible season, 
clinching first seed in the playoffs after dominating the regular 
season with a record of 34-6. They set a new league record for wins and 
led the league in points per game and field goal percentage.
  At home, the Aces went 19-1 in the regular season and undefeated in 
the postseason, setting attendance records and even hosting the All-
Star Game.
  Owner Mark Davis and Team President Nikki Fargas proved once again 
that investing in women's sports is investing in success, thereby 
setting an example for others to follow.
  In the championship-clinching game, Finals Most Valuable Player A'ja 
Wilson led the way with 24 points and 16 rebounds, while Jackie Young 
added 16 points and seven assists. And Kelsey Plum delivered a well-
rounded performance of eight rebounds, five assists, and seven points. 
The Aces never trailed in the fourth quarter.
  The Aces certainly raised the stakes when securing another 
championship for Vegas, firmly establishing District One as the Sports 
Capital of the World.
  All of Southern Nevada is very proud and I can't wait to cheer the 
team on next year as they go for three in a row.

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