LAS VEGAS — Up 2-0 in the semifinals, the New York Liberty were adamant they hadn’t accomplished anything of note. All the No. 1 seed in the postseason had done was win their home games, which was to be expected.
“We haven’t achieved anything yet,” Liberty coach Sandy Brondello said. “We achieved our goal of finishing No. 1, that was our number one, get home court advantage. Okay? Win at home, okay, we’ve done that. Now, go on the road and let’s win a game here.”
That didn’t happen for New York, which was blitzed in the third quarter, 21-6. What had been a back-and-forth affair, featuring a playoff-record 18 lead changes in the first half, turned into a rout, as the Las Vegas Aces held serve at home, winning 95-81.
This is the first time the Aces have beaten New York this season in six tries, and it came at the most opportune moment, as they extend their season for at least another contest.
Game 4 is on Sunday in Las Vegas.
Jackie Young led the way with 24 points and four assists, as five Aces finished the game in double figures. A’ja Wilson had a game-high 14 rebounds and Chelsea Gray added seven assists, including a couple of sublime passes to Wilson in the lane.
POINT. GOD. 😱
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— The Athletic…
