The New York Liberty defeated the Las Vegas Aces 87-73 in Game 3 of the WNBA Finals on Sunday at Barclays Center to stave off elimination and force a Game 4. Here’s what you need to know:
- Jonquel Jones led the scoring for New York with 27 points to go along with eight rebounds and three assists.
- Breanna Stewart — the 2023 WNBA MVP — had a double-double for the Liberty, notching 20 points, 12 rebounds and four assists in the win.
- The Aces were led by Kelsey Plum (29 points), A’ja Wilson (16 points) and Chelsea Gray (11 points). Gray hopped off the floor, exiting to the locker room late in the fourth quarter with an apparent leg injury.
- The Liberty host Game 4 on Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET as they aim to come back in the series and win a first championship. The Aces are seeking a second straight title.
New York’s most consistent defensive game yet
From the opening possessions of Sunday’s Game 3, the Liberty presented a different defensive look at the Aces. Betnijah Laney opened on Jackie Young and Stewart on Gray, with Sabrina Ionescu guarding Las Vegas center Kiah Stokes.
The defensive switch helped New York find some consistency in the first quarter and settle into the game. While it only led by three at the half, the Liberty played its best defense of the playoffs in…
