The Las Vegas Aces will try to extend their reign as two-time defending champs when they host the New York Liberty in Game 3. Following a heartbreaking 88-84 loss on Tuesday in New York, the Aces are on the cusp of going on vacation early. Three-time MVP A’ja Wilson and Co. must step up to avoid getting the broom on Friday.
The Liberty saw a vintage Wilson performance in Game 2 but outlasted the Aces behind Sabrina Ionescu’s heroics. For a sweep to happen, Breanna Stewart can’t afford another rough-shooting night for last year’s WNBA finalists.
New York Liberty vs Las Vegas Aces: Injury report
New York Liberty injury report
No injury to report
Las Vegas Aces injury report
Kiah Stokes (concussion) – Out
New York Liberty vs Las Vegas Aces: Starting lineups and depth charts
New York Liberty starting lineup and depth chart
Las Vegas Aces starting lineup and depth chart
New York Liberty vs Las Vegas Aces: Key matchups
Breanna Stewart vs A’ja Wilson
Breanna Stewart’s one-on-one duel with A’ja Wilson continues to be the matchup in the Liberty-Aces series. After “Stewie” dominated in Game 1, Wilson stepped up to the plate late in Game 2. The winner of this head-to-head tussle could determine the victor on Friday.
New York sent aggressive double teams against Wilson two nights ago but it will be interesting to see if Liberty coach Sandy Brondello will keep it. The Aces’ other stars were in rhythm for most of the game because they got open looks due to the focus on Wilson.
Meanwhile, Las Vegas’ rotation on defense that slowed down “Stewie” has to continue. If Stewart gets going, the shorthanded Aces have a tall task of defending their home court.
Sabrina Ionescu vs Kelsey Plum
The two former No. 1 picks and arguably the best shooters in the Aces-Liberty series have been going at each other. In the first two games, particularly in Game 2, Sabrina Ionescu outplayed Kelsey Plum. If Las Vegas’ starting shooting guard doesn’t regain her shooting touch, she has to answer the bell on defense.
Ionescu lit up the Aces on Tuesday with 24 points, including 11 in the decisive fourth quarter. If New York’s gunner keeps impacting the game with her shooting and playmaking, the Liberty could complete the sweep.
Jonquel Jones vs Alysha Clark
Jones, the New York Liberty's 6-foot-6 center finished Game 2 with 14 points, eight rebounds (four offensive) and four assists, and could have another big night.
The former MVP had her way with the Las Vegas Aces' frontline, particularly when Kiah Stokes went out with a concussion. Stokes has been ruled out due to concussion so how Alysha Clark will deal with her will be crucial.