Patrick Beverley Says the Las Vegas Aces Could Beat an NBA Team — “I Might Be on the 🍷, But I Believe It”

LAS VEGAS — Milwaukee Bucks guard Patrick Beverley set social media ablaze late Tuesday night after posting a bold claim on X (formerly Twitter):

“idk if it’s the 🍷 but i really believe this Aces team could beat a NBA team.”

The comment came just hours after the Las Vegas Aces clinched a dominant playoff victory, securing another trip to the WNBA Finals and further cementing their reputation as one of the most talented and cohesive squads in modern women’s basketball.

While Beverley is known for his unfiltered takes and competitive spirit, this one drew immediate attention — and plenty of debate — across both NBA and WNBA circles.

A Bold Belief

Beverley didn’t specify which NBA team he thought the Aces could beat, but his post was widely interpreted as a sign of respect for the defending WNBA champions, who have steamrolled their competition behind the leadership of A’ja Wilson, Chelsea Gray, Kelsey Plum, and Jackie Young.

The Aces, coached by Becky Hammon, have become a powerhouse — blending athleticism, defensive intensity, and elite ball movement. Their recent playoff performances have looked almost surgical, with Wilson averaging over 24 points and 11 rebounds per game, while Plum and Young combine for relentless perimeter scoring.

Beverley’s tweet came across as part admiration, part provocation — exactly the blend that has made him one of the NBA’s most talked-about personalities.

Social Media Reaction: Support, Skepticism, and Everything in Between

Within minutes, Beverley’s post went viral, generating tens of thousands of likes and hundreds of replies.

Some fans applauded the sentiment, arguing that the Aces’ chemistry and tactical discipline could challenge lower-tier NBA teams that struggle with effort or cohesion.

“Honestly, if it’s the Hornets or the Pistons on an off night, I’m not ruling it out,” one fan joked.

Others were quick to dismiss the notion, citing the vast physical and athletic disparities between the men’s and women’s games.

“Respect the Aces, but come on Pat,” another fan replied. “The size, speed, and pace difference alone would make that impossible.”

Even some WNBA players chimed in with humor and pride. Kelsey Plum reposted Beverley’s comment with a simple emoji — 👀 — while A’ja Wilson wrote, “Pat Bev been watching us too much 😂 appreciate the love though!”

The Aces’ Dominance

It’s not hard to see why Beverley — or anyone watching — might be inspired to make such a statement.

The Las Vegas Aces are back-to-back WNBA champions (2022 and 2023) and are seeking a historic three-peat this season. Under Hammon’s leadership, they’ve transformed into a team that thrives on pace, spacing, and defensive rotations that mirror top-tier NBA principles.

Wilson, the reigning MVP, is not only one of the league’s most dominant interior forces but also one of its most vocal leaders. She’s drawn comparisons to NBA stars like Anthony Davis for her versatility and two-way presence.

Hammon, herself a former NBA assistant coach under Gregg Popovich in San Antonio, has built a culture that values professionalism and championship mentality — traits that Beverley, a self-described “grinder,” has long admired.

A Long-Running Debate

Beverley’s comment reignites a long-standing debate that tends to resurface whenever a WNBA team dominates its competition — could the best women’s teams realistically compete with men’s teams?

Sports analysts have long noted that, while the technical and tactical skills of elite WNBA players are world-class, the differences in strength, size, and explosiveness make head-to-head competition against NBA teams largely hypothetical.

However, others argue that such comparisons miss the point. The WNBA has developed into its own elite ecosystem, and teams like the Aces represent the pinnacle of that development — a level of precision and teamwork that even many NBA teams struggle to match.

“The Aces play basketball the way it’s supposed to be played,” ESPN analyst Chiney Ogwumike said on air last week. “It’s not about dunking or athletic dominance. It’s about discipline, execution, and IQ. And they’re elite at all three.”

Beverley Doubles Down

Later in the night, Beverley appeared on his Pat Bev Podcast, where he stood by his statement, clarifying that it wasn’t meant as a slight to NBA teams but as a “massive compliment” to the Aces.

“People took it like I was crazy,” he said, laughing. “I’ve been in the league 12 years. I know the difference between NBA and WNBA games. But what I’m saying is — this Aces team got heart, execution, and chemistry that some NBA teams don’t. And that matters.”

A Compliment Heard Around the League

Whether or not the Aces could realistically beat an NBA team may never be tested, but Beverley’s statement achieved something else: it shined a light on the extraordinary quality of basketball being played in the WNBA.

As one fan summarized on social media:

“Even if Pat Bev’s wrong, he’s right about one thing — the Aces deserve all the respect in the world.”