The Las Vegas Aces hosted the New York Liberty in Game 3 of the semifinals. With a 2-0 lead, New York was looking to complete the sweep and advance to the WNBA finals. The Aces were looking to avoid elimination and force a Game 4.
The Aces were without Kiah Stokes, who was ruled out due to a concussion after hitting her head in Game 2. This was also the first time that the Liberty were on the road this postseason as they swept the Dream at home in the first round.
Game Recap
The first half was an offensive clinic between both teams. A’ja Wilson got it going early, scoring seven points in the first quarter. Breanna Stewart also had seven points in the quarter, going 100% from the field.
Jackie Young also had it going for the Aces, scoring 10 points in the quarter. Both teams took turns taking the lead and tying the game. Neither team led by more than three points in the first half.
With Kiah Stokes, Alysha Clark was put in the starting lineup. She was the primary defender on Stewart. She picked up two early fouls, leading to Megan Gustafson getting some minutes for the first time in this series.
Tiffany Hayes came and also picked up two quick fouls in the first quarter, but she had seven points. Her and Clark each had three fouls at the half, which many people believed would be an issue considering how much New York got to the free throw line and cashed on the opportunities.
What was originally set up to be an exciting finish in the second half turned into a demolition job. The Aces began the third quarter on a 5-0 run to increase their lead to eight. New York then scored four points to cut the lead to four.
After Leonie Fiebich hit the three at the 8:02 mark, the Aces took over and never looked back. What was a four point lead by Las Vegas turned into a 20-point lead as they proceeded to go on a 17-0 run. New York went over eight minutes without a single point.
They finally ended the drought when Stewart hit a jump shot with 26 seconds left in the quarter. Even though there was still one more quarter to play, it felt evident that the series would continue as the Aces had all the momentum while the Liberty could not get anything going.
New York was held to 14.3 FG% and only scored six points, which was the lowest in any quarter in playoff franchise history. They also committed seven turnovers after only having two in the first half.
After going scoreless through three quarters, Sabrina Ionescu finally scored at the free throw line after Hayes was called for a technical foul. The Aces defense kept her from getting to the rim and getting anything going.
New York finally started putting points on the board, but Las Vegas continued to extend their lead. Head coach Sandy Brondello eventually waved the white flag and took her starters out. Becky Hammon held off for a minute just to make sure no chances of a comeback by the Liberty would take place. She eventually took her starters out, and the Aces won the game 95-81.
Jackie Young led the Aces with 24 points, six rebounds and four assists. Kelsey Plum finished with 23 points, followed by A’ja Wilson finished with 19 points and 14 rebounds.
Tiffany Hayes, who was named Sixth Player of the Year, finished with 11 points and three steals in 15 minutes. Chelsea Gray finished with 10 points, seven assists and two blocks.
Breanna Stewart finished with 19 points and six rebounds. Jonquel Jones finished with 11 points and six rebounds. Leonie Fiebich finished with 10 points and four rebounds.
Game 4 will take place on Sunday, October 6, in Las Vegas. The game will air on ABC and start at 3:00 pm EST.
Photo Courtesy: @LVAces/X
