Posted on: October 9, 2023, 12:29h.
Last updated on: October 9, 2023, 12:29h.
The Las Vegas Aces dominate Game 1 of the 20023 WNBA Finals with a strong performance from Jackie Young. Find out how the Aces secured a 1-0 series lead over the New York Liberty.
The Las Vegas Aces secure a vital win in Game 1 of the WNBA Finals against the New York Liberty. Led by guard Jackie Young’s remarkable performance, the Aces defeat the Liberty with a final score of 99-82.
The Las Vegas Aces, known for their strong home record, took advantage of their home-court advantage at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas. The Aces have a near-perfect home record this season, going 19-1, and have remained undefeated at home during the playoffs.
Despite boasting the best road record in the league, the New York Liberty couldn’t overcome the strong performance of the Aces. The Liberty, with a season record of 32-8, faced a 17-point deficit in the first game of the series.
The Las Vegas Aces are now set to host Game 2 in Las Vegas as the favorites to win, with odds set at -5. The Liberty will aim to bounce back and equalize the series before returning to Brooklyn for Game 3 next Sunday.
After their impressive victory, the Las Vegas Aces’ odds to win the championship for the second consecutive year have increased to -400. On the other hand, the New York Liberty’s odds to secure their franchise’s first title are now at +320.
Jackie Young’s Stellar Performance Secures Victory for Aces
In Game 1, the Las Vegas Aces anticipated the defensive strategy of the New York Liberty and capitalized on scoring opportunities. Guards Jackie Young and Kelsey Plum played pivotal roles in the Aces’ triumph.
“We knew that they would focus on A’ja and Chelsea,” said Young. “Just being aggressive, they weren’t guarding us. They have to take something away, so we just had to stay ready.”
Jackie Young and Kelsey Plum both scored an impressive 26 points each, leading the Aces to victory. Alongside Chelsea Gray, the Aces’ triple-guard offense contributed a total of 72 points, surpassing the Liberty’s score of 82.
Young displayed her skills on both ends of the court, shooting 9-of-15 from the field, including five successful 3-pointers. Plum made 10 of her 19 attempts, while Gray contributed 6 field goals, including 3 three-pointers.
A’Ja Wilson, the Aces’ leading scorer, had a strong performance as well, scoring 19 points, grabbing eight rebounds, and making three blocks. With forward Candace Parker sidelined due to injury, coach Becky Hammon relied on a six-player rotation, with four starters playing at least 35 minutes.
A Challenging Night for the Liberty and Sabrina Ionescu
The Las Vegas Aces effectively guarded the New York Liberty’s key players in Game 1. Jackie Young’s outstanding defense limited the impact of shooting guard Sabrina Ionescu.
Despite averaging 17 points per game this season, Ionescu struggled against the Aces’ defense, only attempting seven shots and scoring a mere seven points. Young’s defensive prowess played a vital role in containing Ionescu’s offensive capabilities.
“It’s my role every night to go out there and guard the best perimeter player on the other team,” said Young. “I take a lot of pride in that, just trying to get stops.”
The Aces’ defense also disrupted the performance of point guard Courtney Vandersloot and limited the impact of Betnijah Laney, who had been efficient from beyond the arc in previous games.
The New York Liberty’s Breanna Stewart, the reigning MVP, scored 21 points and added nine rebounds, but it wasn’t enough to secure a victory against the dominant Aces.