Las Vegas Fights Back to Avoid Series Sweep
The Las Vegas Aces have no intention of relinquishing their WNBA crown without a fight. After trailing 2-0 in their semifinal matchup with the New York Liberty, the reigning champions bounced back with a solid 95-81 victory in Game 3. The victory, in front of a packed crowd at Michelob Ultra Arena, sets the stage for Game 4, which will take place on Sunday at 3 p.m. ET in Las Vegas.
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A Decisive Third-Quarter Run Turns the Tide
The pivotal moment came during the third quarter when the Aces exploded with a 17-2 run, igniting their home crowd. Up until that point, the game had been tightly contested, with neither team managing to create more than a four-point lead in the first half. However, Las Vegas turned up the defensive intensity after halftime, smothering New York’s offense and allowing only six points in the third quarter. The Liberty committed five turnovers during that span, unable to respond to the relentless pressure.
This defensive stand marked the lowest-scoring quarter by an opponent in Ace's playoff history. By the time the final period began, the Liberty’s starting lineup had been pulled, while the Aces kept their stars on the court a bit longer to send a clear message. When Las Vegas finally pulled their starters, they held a dominant 90-68 lead.
Offensive Stars Shine for Las Vegas
Jackie Young and Kelsey Plum were the driving force behind the Aces' offense, totaling 44 points, six assists, and only two turnovers between them. Meanwhile, A’ja Wilson continued her MVP-caliber play with 19 points and 14 rebounds, cementing her status as the league's most valuable player.
After struggling to contain the Liberty’s star guard Sabrina Ionescu in the first two games, the Aces made defensive adjustments to neutralize her in Game 3. Young and Plum took on the bulk of the defensive assignment, with plenty of support from their teammates. Ionescu was held to just four points on 1-of-7 shooting, along with five turnovers, a far cry from her usual output.
Aces Rediscover Their Dominance
This Game 3 performance was a reminder of how the Aces dominated the WNBA — and the Liberty — over the past two seasons. Their defense, arguably the best in the league, combined with a balanced offensive attack led by Wilson, reasserted their championship pedigree. The sold-out crowd in Las Vegas amplified the energy as the Aces methodically dismantled New York.
Shifting Momentum in the Series
Although New York appeared to be the stronger team in Game 1, and the Liberty had difficulty finishing a close match in Game 2, Game 3 revealed a revitalized Aces team. a team capable of turning the series around. The Aces narrowly missed a comeback in Game 2 and carried that momentum into Friday’s contest, executing on both ends of the floor.
Las Vegas still faces an uphill battle, needing two more wins to advance, and the Liberty have not lost three consecutive games all season. However, based on their dominant Game 3 performance, the Aces look more than capable of completing the comeback and defending their title.
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