When the 2025 WNBA season began, there was an unusual sense of uncertainty surrounding the Las Vegas Aces. Although the team still boasted plenty of star power, Kelsey Plum’s departure meant there would be an adjustment period. No one expected, however, that by mid-season, the Aces would be struggling to secure a playoff spot. During this challenging time, their leader, A’ja Wilson, faced the daunting task of rallying the team for a comeback. Yet even the best leaders occasionally need support.

For A’ja Wilson, that support came from her boyfriend, Bam Adebayo, a forward for the Miami Heat in the NBA. As a professional basketball player himself, Bam understood the challenges a leader faces. His insights were crucial during this pivotal moment for the Las Vegas Aces, helping them achieve an incredible turnaround in their pursuit of a third championship.

The Aces’ Early-Season Struggles

As mentioned above, the Las Vegas Aces’ 2025 WNBA season did not start as they had hoped. With almost a third of the regular season gone, they were struggling with a 14-13 record. However, the worst came in an August 2 clash against the Minnesota Lynx. The game, which was nationally broadcast, ended in a humiliating 111-58 loss. This 53-point deficit was the second-worst in league history.

Naturally, when a team with five Olympians on the roster loses by this big a margin, there is going to be some backlash. But in this tough time for the team, A’ja Wilson’s leadership qualities rose. With some help from Bam Adebayo, A’ja sent one text message that changed the team’s entire season.

How Did A’ja Wilson Take Initiative to Inspire Her Team?

After the embarrassing loss on national TV, A’ja knew that she needed to do something. Sure, the season wasn’t going great till that point, bu a beating like that had the potential to end what little hope had remained. But A’ja didn’t react immediately. She deliberated the best way to react. Speaking to ESPN in an interview, she said, “I took time, because I’m an emotional person and I love to wear my emotions on my sleeve. There were some lessons in the X’s and O’s of it, but mostly it was just the heart and the feel of the game. People lose, and sometimes even get their ass kicked. But that loss was something we can’t do.”

She then decided to bounce around some ideas with Bam Adebayo. During that process, she found clarity on how to send a message to her teammates. About her interaction with Bam, she said in an ESPN interview, “He’s seen different locker rooms, different situations. “If he thinks, ‘No, that’s not the right thing to say,’ he’ll definitely tell me. I respect his view a lot. So we kind of go back and forth, and I’m like, ‘Well, how would you handle this situation? What would you feel like?”

After this, she sent the infamous message, “If you weren’t embarrassed from yesterday, then don’t come into this gym. You’re not needed or wanted here. We need the mindset to shift, because that was embarrassing.”

And what a shift in mindset it was. After that historic loss, the Los Angeles Aces did not lose again until the playoffs. This streak ended up being the second-longest in league history.

How Did Bam Adebayo Support A’ja Wilson Off the Court?

Besides helping A’ja navigate the locker room issues or her overall basketball growth, Bam Adebayo also supports her off the court. In fact, after A’ja Wilson won her record fourth MVP, Bam Adebayo was a big part of the celebrations. In a private trophy presentation ceremony on the team’s practice floor, Adebayo had a beautiful message for A’ja.

He said, “Special moment for a special person. To see somebody be the Mount Everest, the Mount Rushmore in their sport is something you can’t take for granted. To be able to give somebody flowers when they’re still here to smell them, that was a special moment for me and obviously everybody involved.”

Messages like these show how supportive Bam is of A’ja. In all her good or bad moments, he is the one who’s front and center for A’ja Wilson.

How Did A’ja Wilson’s Message Change the Aces’ Mindset?

A’ja Wilson’s message had a big impact on the Las Vegas Aces’ roster. We already know about the incredible turnaround the Aces had afterwards. It was so incredible that she ultimately beat out Napheesa Collier, who had been a heavy favorite, for the MVP award. As amazing as her performances were, the rest of the roster also had a change in mentality.

In fact, talking about the message, Jackie Young said, “We knew things had to change because what we were doing wasn’t the Aces’ standard at all. When A’ja says something in the group [text] important like that, everybody responds because everybody respects her. That loss and that message shifted our season.” But she wasn’t alone.

Veteran guard, Chelsea Grat, also felt the full aftereffects of such a powerful message. She said, “It’s like that feeling when your parents are really disappointed in you. You’re just ashamed.” Since that message, the turnaround has been historic. Now, the team is on the cusp of winning another championship. And this time, it’s not just A’ja’s performances leading the way.

Conclusion – Love, Support, and Team Leadership

The way Bam Adebayo has continued to support A’ja Wilson, both on and off the court, is a testament to true partnership. In a loving and supportive relationship, both parties push each other to be the best version of themselves. And in the case of A’ja Wilson and Bam Adebayo, the results are in front of us.

As the WNBA Finals approach, we’re confident that Bam will continue to support A’ja and help her in any way he can to secure yet another title. This time, however, it will be an extra special one, considering where they stood at the beginning of August.