Three-time WNBA champion A’ja Wilson opened up on how she keeps her teammates always motivated and helps them to gain confidence. In a post-game interview after the Aces defeated the Valkyries 91-81, she talked about her teammate, Jackie Young.

Wilson reflected on how, despite some of her performances this season, she keeps the players in high spirits.

"She had a couple of donuts; that's tough on anybody," she said. "Sometimes, you've got to give people grace, and I hope that Jackie sees that and feels that with us."

Wilson also talked earlier about how Young is the sister she never wanted, but now holds a deep connection with her.

"I'll always be consistent in my love to all my teammates," she said. "So my confidence never wavers through any teammate that goes through highs and lows, because I know the feeling firsthand. First of all I know that."

"But second, I see the work that they put in; it's only a matter of time you crack that glass ceiling," Wilson stated. "I just hope that I can constantly be there for each one of my teammates."

Three-time WNBA champion Young hasn't been at the peak of her game since the start of the season. And that is because she is currently going through a tough situation that has not yet been officially disclosed.

Young talked about it on social media around two weeks ago. "Playing with a heavy heart is never easy💔,” she wrote on Threads. “S/O to my teammates for having my back🤞🏾."

Since then, it has been a journey of ups and downs so far for her, but she looks to be back on track.

Jackie Young Still Recovering From Undisclosed Grief

Young had not been performing as expected recently, going scoreless in back-to-back games against the Atlanta Dream and the Los Angeles Sparks.

After struggling in those two games, Young bounced back by showing her talent again, scoring 15 points against the Dallas Wings and 23 points against the Golden State Valkyries.

Head coach Becky Hammon also responded regarding Young's performances and said that she is going to get back on track soon.

"I think the last few games is a little bit much to do about nothing. Like players, you know, I know she's gonna figure out," she said. "I trust her work. You know, sometimes I think I trust her work more than she trusts her work, but I trust her work. I trust her feel."

The Aces will next play the Los Angeles Sparks on Tuesday and look to improve their 5-3 record.

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Written by

Dhruv Singh

Edited by

Ankita Yadav