NEW YORK — The New York Liberty are one win away from redemption as they aim for a return to the WNBA Finals following a thrilling 88-84 victory over the Las Vegas Aces, extending their series lead to 2-0 in the best-of-five semifinals on Tuesday.
Sabrina Ionescu led the Liberty with 24 points, including a crucial go-ahead jumper with just 1:15 remaining in the game. She was joined by three other teammates scoring in double figures, allowing the Liberty to push the Aces to the edge of elimination. The next game is set for Friday night in Las Vegas.
The Liberty gained momentum with a 15-4 run in the second quarter, repeating the successful strategy from their Game 1 win. After establishing a 10-point lead in the third quarter, the Aces fought back, tying the game at 81 with a three-pointer from Alysha Clark. However, Ionescu responded quickly with the go-ahead basket.
The Aces had a late opportunity to tie but lost possession due to a turnover after a challenge by the Liberty. This resulted in Ionescu making two free throws to secure the victory.
Still feeling the sting of a four-game loss in last year’s Finals, the Liberty have now achieved five consecutive wins over the Aces this season, showcasing clutch performances from Ionescu, costly turnovers from the Aces, and defensive errors that allowed easy scores. The sellout crowd at Barclays Center, filled with celebrities, was heavily engaged throughout the game.
“Up 2-0 is great,” Ionescu said, who also contributed nine rebounds and five assists. “We haven’t won anything yet. This isn’t what we came to do. We’re a hungry group.”
Brenna Stewart, a standout scorer in Game 1, added 15 points, eight assists, and seven rebounds. Jonquel Jones contributed 14 points, while Courtney Vandersloot scored 12 points off the bench.
The Aces initially built an eight-point lead in the first quarter, but early foul trouble for guard Kelsey Plum, who managed only six points after a strong Game 1 performance, hampered their momentum. Coach Becky Hammon expressed her frustration during a timeout after an easy layup allowed by the Liberty.
Despite several lead changes in the first half, the Liberty capitalized on their inside game, scoring 44 points in the paint and taking full advantage of the Aces’ 13 turnovers, which led to 22 points.
Las Vegas saw production from several key players, including League MVP A’ja Wilson, who finished with 24 points, seven rebounds, and four assists. Jackie Young added 17 points, Chelsea Gray contributed 14, and Tiffany Hayes had 10 off the bench.
The Aces face a daunting challenge, as no WNBA team has ever come back from a 2-0 deficit in a best-of-five series. They will need to win both games at home to have any chance of forcing a decisive fifth game.
“We haven’t lost or won a championship. Nothing has been won tonight,” Hammon said matter-of-factly.
She emphasized the competitive nature of the series, stating, “Let there be no doubt, we’re in for a war.”
Additionally, the availability of starting center Kiah Stokes remains uncertain after she left the game with a concussion in the third quarter while chasing a loose ball. She was assessed and assisted off the court, not returning to the game.