The Las Vegas Aces and New York Liberty are set to face off in a highly anticipated WNBA playoff rematch. While last year’s encounter took place in the Finals, with Las Vegas emerging victorious in a 3-1 series, this season’s clash comes earlier in the second round. The top-seeded Liberty swept the Atlanta Dream, while the fourth-seeded Aces dispatched the Seattle Storm in two games.
Despite the earlier meeting, expectations for intensity remain high. Aces guard Kelsey Plum acknowledges the Liberty’s improvement, stating, “New York is a lot better than last year. They’re bigger. They’ve shot the ball at a better clip. Pound for pound, individually, if you go down the line, all of them are better players.”
The Liberty’s regular-season success, including three victories over Las Vegas, hasn’t gone unnoticed. Aces coach Becky Hammon observed, “They’ve played like a team pissed off. They’ve played with an edge.”
Although the Aces have faced challenges this season, they appear to be hitting their stride at the right time. After securing the top seed in the previous two seasons, Las Vegas now faces a tougher path in their quest for a three-peat, a feat not accomplished since the Houston Comets’ four consecutive titles from 1997-2000.
The Aces’ performance against Seattle showcased their championship pedigree. Game 1 saw a dominant defensive effort, limiting the Storm to just two fourth-quarter points. In Game 2, Las Vegas started hot, building a 16-point first-quarter lead and connecting on 5-of-6 three-pointers.
A’ja Wilson, the team’s cornerstone, emphasized their experience, saying, “We know what it takes [to win]. We know that we can’t let the game slip through our hands, because we’ve been on the other side of it.”
Wilson’s consistent excellence earned her a third MVP award this season, averaging 26.9 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game. Her 24-point, 13-rebound performance in Game 2 against Seattle further demonstrated her value.
Kelsey Plum’s bounce-back effort in Game 2 was crucial, as she rebounded from a 2-point outing to lead all scorers with 29 points on efficient 11-of-15 shooting.
Perhaps the most significant factor in Las Vegas’ resurgence is the return to form of Chelsea Gray. After missing the season’s first 12 games due to a foot injury, Gray has rediscovered her rhythm. Her impact was evident against Seattle, with 16 points and 7 assists in Game 1, followed by 12 points and 9 assists in Game 2.
Plum highlighted Gray’s importance, stating, “Chelsea impacts winning. And ask any high-level player in the league, and I guarantee they’d want Chelsea Gray on their team with five minutes left in a tie game.”
The Liberty are well aware of the threat posed by Gray, Wilson, Plum, and Jackie Young. However, New York boasts its own star power, featuring former MVPs Jonquel Jones and Breanna Stewart, alongside rising star Sabrina Ionescu.
With both teams operating at peak performance, this semifinal series between Las Vegas and New York has all the ingredients for a memorable playoff battle. While it may be occurring earlier in the postseason than last year’s Finals matchup, the stakes and quality of play promise to be just as high.