I think last night's game was not character building for the Aces, but rather character demonstrating. It has been there all the time. As you mention A'ja got wacked in the face three times pretty hard, and I believe the two times that drew blood were the no calls. Of course she complained but then it was back to work.
Young was sick and didn't participate in practice, and took kind of a back seat early in the game, but in the second half with the game still in doubt she stepped up too, despite her illness, and Clark who probably didn't have a great game overall, had to plug on after a major collision. Hayes appeared to be trying to fit in, but still be aggressive at the same time in her first game with the Aces.
Mostly with Wilson and Young, the Aces showed their character last night, as they did in game 4 of the finals minus two starters. They have plenty of talent when healthy, as do other teams, but also seem to have the kind of culture, work ethic, and character that many champions are made of.
