The Las Vegas Aces demonstrated resilience in their pursuit of the WNBA championship by bouncing back with a 95-81 victory over the New York Liberty in Game 3. After starting the series down 2-0, the Aces played host in front of an enthusiastic crowd at the Michelob Ultra Arena. The upcoming Game 4 is set for Sunday at 3 p.m. ET.
A key moment in the game came when the Aces ended the third quarter with a 17-2 run, energizing their supporters. The first half of the match was tightly contested, with neither team able to establish a significant lead of more than four points. However, Las Vegas tightened their defensive efforts, limiting the Liberty to just six points and causing five turnovers during the third quarter, marking it as the lowest-scoring quarter for an opponent in Aces playoff history. The Aces maintained a comfortable lead, leading 90-68 as their starters left the game late in the fourth quarter.
Jackie Young and Kelsey Plum proved to be pivotal for the Aces, contributing 44 points and six assists while keeping turnovers to a minimum. A’ja Wilson also stood out, adding 19 points and grabbing 14 rebounds, further showcasing her MVP-caliber performance.
Determined to stifle Sabrina Ionescu, who had been effective in the first two games, the Aces made significant adjustments. Young and Plum took the lead in defending her, with additional support from their teammates. The strategies included higher pressure at the start of screens and close defensive plays against other key players.
Ionescu’s struggles were evident as she managed to score only four points, shooting 1-for-7 from the field, while also recording five rebounds, five assists, and five turnovers.
This strong showing from the Aces highlighted their championship pedigree, reminiscent of their dominance in the league over the past two years. With a strong defensive effort and a balanced offense, spearheaded by Wilson, the Aces sent a clear message in this pivotal game.
Though they still require two more wins to clinch the series against a resilient New York squad that has yet to lose three consecutive games this season, the performance displayed by the Aces in Game 3 showcased their potential to achieve it.