On Sunday, the New York Liberty took on the Las Vegas Aces in Game 1 of their best-of-five series in the WNBA Semifinals. It was clear from the start that New York was taking this revenge game personally and by jumping out to an early lead thanks to the tag team of Brenna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu, New York was making a statement on their home turf in Brooklyn.
By halftime, Breanna Stewart set a franchise record with seven playoff games of at least 20 points. Although New York suffered from a series of turnovers in the second half and a few missed shots, they were able to maintain their double digit lead while suffocating the Aces on defense. Despite all their efforts to mount a comeback Las Vegas could not get it done as New York kept their foot on the gas pedal and finished strong.
The Liberty took game 1 with a commanding win over the Aces putting up 87 points on Las Vegas. Stewart led New York’s offense with 34 points followed by Ionescu with 21 and Jonquel Jones with 13 points and 12 rebounds. Jones, who had a fantastic day defensively also had two assists, a steal and a block against Las Vegas.
The Liberty and Aces face off against each other at Barclays Center on Tuesday night for Game 2 and we will see if the bright lights of New York prove to be a little too much for the Las Vegas Aces once again.
