Lady Liberty Shining Bright: NYL Avoid Sweep

The New York Liberty stormed past the Las Vegas Aces in Game Three of the WNBA Finals. Led by the dynamic two-way play of their front court, the Liberty handed the Aces their first loss of the 2023 postseason. After being blown out in Games One and Two by a combined 45 points, the Liberty stonewalled the Aces into a breezy shooting night and ran them into the floor.

Games One and Two saw the potent guard play of the Aces dominate. Kelsey Plum, Jackie Young and Chelsea Gray combined for an average of 66.5 points. The physicality and speed of these three seemed to be overwhelming for the dueling side. Until Game Three, the Aces were 7-0 in the playoffs. The highest-scoring team in the postseason, led by A'ja Wilson's 23.8 a night, was on their way to back-to-back trophies. But a switch seemed to flip Sunday afternoon, and the Liberty were ready to respond.

Jonquel Jones and Breanna Stewart established their presence on both ends of the floor in the Liberty win. Jones posted 27 points, eight rebounds, three blocks and two steals. Stewart had an all-around performance with 20 points, 12 rebounds, four assists and two blocks. This defensive effort by the Liberty's anchors held the Aces to 73 points on 33% from the field. Jones and Stewart interchangeably guarded Wilson, showing the All-WNBA First Team member size, strength and quickness. The Liberty frontcourt forced Wilson into 4-of-16 shooting for 16 points, eight of which came at the line. For the guards, Plum was the only source of efficient production for the Aces, drilling five threes en route to a game-high 29 points.

The Liberty had their best offensive game of the series so far. As a team, New York shot 52% from the floor and rained in 13 of their 30 threes. The pace favored the Liberty, as they tallied 12 fast break points to the Aces' two. The difference in transition play seemed to be completely switched. The Liberty controlled the tempo of the game and made sure to get the Aces into the half-court to funnel them into the Jones-Stewart Wall. Four of the five New York starters broke double digits, and Sabrina Ionescu was finding her teammates all night long racking up 11 assists.

The Liberty will look to even the series on Wednesday, Oct. 18. The defensive physicality will have to continue or we could see another explosion from Plum and a rebound performance from Young. Unfortunately, Chelsea Gray left Game Three with an apparent foot injury. Her status has not been confirmed, but if she is unable to play, the Aces, already lacking depth, will have to fill her playmaking by committee. For the Liberty, their efficient Game Three performance was an outlier. For a team that generates 33% of their scoring from three, if they have another poor shooting night, the Aces could end the Liberty's season.