Posted on: October 12, 2023, 11:25h.
Last updated on: October 12, 2023, 11:25h.
The Las Vegas Aces are on the cusp of back-to-back WNBA championships, just one win away. After a dominating 28-point victory in Game 2, the Aces hold a 2-0 series lead over the New York Liberty in the WNBA Finals.
The Aces continue to dominate, securing a 104-76 win over the Liberty at Michelob ULTRA Arena. This victory marks the Aces’ seventh consecutive win in the postseason and extends their perfect playoff record on home court to 5-0.
Heading into Game 3 and Game 4 (if necessary) in New York City, the Aces are in a prime position to clinch their first back-to-back titles since 2002. Game 3 is set to tip off on Sunday afternoon at 3pm ET in Brooklyn at Barclay’s Center.
Aces’ Stellar Performance
The Aces came out hot from the start, taking a commanding 19-point lead in the first quarter. They shot an impressive 70% from the field and connected on 60% of their three-point attempts, scoring a total of 38 points in the opening quarter.
“They don’t leave me speechless very often, but they executed defensively, offensively shared it,” said Aces head coach Becky Hammon. “Everything we’ve been asking them to do, they’re the real deal. Their competitiveness and their fight for each other, they’re a real team.”
All-Star forward A’ja Wilson led the way with 26 points and 15 rebounds, while Jackie Young contributed 24 points and played lockdown defense. Kelsey Plum added 23 points, including five three-pointers, and Chelsea Gray chipped in 14 points and 11 assists.
The Aces’ three-guard backcourt, consisting of Young, Plum, and Gray, proved to be a lethal combination once again. The trio combined for 61 points and connected on ten three-pointers. Overall, the Aces shot 44.8% from deep, 52.9% from the field, and a perfect 17-for-17 from the free-throw line.
With a blowout victory in Game 2, Coach Hammon had the opportunity to rest her starters in the fourth quarter and provide valuable minutes for her bench players.
Liberty Seeking Redemption
The Liberty find themselves in a desperate situation, facing a 0-2 deficit for the first time this season. The Aces’ tight defense held the Liberty to just 36.1% shooting overall, including a dismal 22.9% from beyond the arc.
“We didn’t execute anything we wanted to,” said Liberty coach Sandy Brondello.
Despite winning the WNBA MVP, Breanna Stewart struggled in Game 2, scoring 14 points on 1-for-6 shooting from three-point range. The Aces’ Jackie Young once again played exceptional defense, containing Sabrina Ionescu, who had a poor shooting performance in both games of the series.
Heading into Game 3, the Liberty will need improved performances from their key players, including Courtney Vandersloot, Betnijah Laney, and Jonquel Jones, who led the team with 22 points in the loss.