The Las Vegas Aces faced elimination for the first time since 2021 but forced a Game 4 against the New York Liberty in the WNBA semi-finals with a dominant 95-81 victory. Led by guard Jackie Young with 24 points, the Aces showcased a complete performance with all four of their primary guards, including Chelsea Gray, Kelsey Plum, and Tiffany Hayes, delivering peak performances. The Aces’ defense was particularly impressive, holding Liberty star Sabrina Ionescu to a career-low four points on 1-of-7 shooting. This defensive effort propelled the Aces into an offensive rhythm that had been lacking in earlier games, resulting in a game-defining 16-0 run in the third quarter that extended their lead to 20 points.
The Aces’ victory was a team effort, with five players scoring in double digits and the guard quartet playing a crucial role. They were able to stifle the Liberty’s offense and force them into isolation basketball, a departure from their regular season style of play. The Aces believe that their advantage lies in their strong backcourt, given the Liberty’s formidable frontcourt with MVPs Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones. Las Vegas remains in pursuit of a three-peat championship, with Game 4 scheduled to keep their quest alive. Coach Becky Hammon expressed confidence in her team’s ability to rise to the occasion when facing adversity, stating, “We’re the Aces. We’re not going to fold.”
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