The New York Liberty are one win away from a return to the WNBA Finals after defeating the Las Vegas Aces 88-84, taking a 2-0 lead in their best-of-five semifinal series. Sabrina Ionescu led the Liberty with 24 points, including a critical jumper with 1:15 remaining in the game.
Game 3 is set for Friday night in Las Vegas. The Liberty capitalized on a 15-4 run in the second quarter, mirroring their successful strategy from Game 1. They established a 10-point lead in the third quarter, only for the Aces to gradually close the gap. Alysha Clark tied the game at 81 with a three-pointer, but Ionescu responded immediately to secure the win.
In a tense finish, the Aces attempted to equalize but were thwarted when the ball went out of bounds, leading to Ionescu’s two free throws that finalized the score. With this victory, the Liberty extended their winning streak over the Aces to five games this season.
Ionescu emphasized that while a 2-0 lead is advantageous, their goal remains unachieved. “This isn’t what we came to do. We are a hungry group,” she stated. Brenna Stewart added 15 points and contributed significantly with eight assists and seven rebounds. Jonquel Jones and Courtney Vandersloot chipped in with 14 and 12 points, respectively.
The Aces started strong with an early lead, but the game shifted after guard Kelsey Plum received her second foul within the first two minutes. Despite having several players score in double figures, including A’ja Wilson with 24 points, the Aces struggled with turnovers and defensive lapses that allowed the Liberty to thrive inside.
Aces head coach Becky Hammon acknowledged the tough road ahead, noting that no WNBA team has come back from a 2-0 deficit in a best-of-five series. Additionally, the status of starting center Kiah Stokes is uncertain after she sustained a concussion in the third quarter.