Sunday marked game one of the WNBA Semi-Finals between the Las Vegas Aces and the New York Liberty. A rematch of the 2023 WNBA Finals, the Barclays was more than ready. In a sold-out crowd of 14,015, the starting Aces lineup was heavily booed. However, with Liberty fans waving white towels in the air, the Barclays was ready for one thing, and that was a victory.
Let’s be honest: no matter the outcome, it’s a fantastic experience to witness sellout games across the W. On Sunday, the fans showed out and rocked all night long.
In the best five games, Liberty fans are ready for their first championship in New York. Under second- year head coach Sandy Brondello, the Liberty will get another stab at the reigning champions, Las Vegas Aces. Their biggest test of the year, New York will have to run through the Aces. One of the most prolific teams in history, it will be a tall task.
New York Liberty controlled the entire game
But wait.. THERE’S MORE FROM 3️⃣5️⃣ https://t.co/MqZaAzz6EN pic.twitter.com/oHGm9Q93UX
— New York Liberty (@nyliberty) September 29, 2024
Having control of the entire matchup, the Liberty took game one 87-77 over the Aces. In a physical yet foul-driven game, Las Vegas was tasked with playing catchup for 40 minutes. Unsuccessful in doing so, New York once again showed why they are one of the most elite teams in the league. Their length, versatility, and bench depth were too much for Las Vegas.
Limiting the Aces to just 77 points, New York was excellent in defending the mismatches and getting around the screens. Shooting 7-25 (28 %) from deep, New York capitalized off misses and moved the ball fluid in transition. Taking advantage of the boards and second-chance points, the Liberty led the game with 16 fast break points.
Overall, New York was excellent is forcing the Aces to take uncomfortable shots. Mind you, the Aces were second in the WNBA in offensive rating, with a league-leading 86.4 points per game.
The first quarter certainly started in the Liberty’s favor. Beginning with the double team of Sabrina Ionescu, who the Aces have scouted very well. And with the blitz, Leonich Fiebich was wide open to Jonquel Jones for the three ball. A physical game from the start, it was Betnijah Laney who set the down defensively for the Liberty. With a pair of threes, the Liberty flew to a 7-3 run over Vegas.
Breanna Stewart shined in the biggest moment
CASH. MONEY FOR STEW YORK 💰🤪@breannastewart 🍷 | #LIGHTITUPNYL pic.twitter.com/bJdVp3DqLE
— New York Liberty (@nyliberty) September 29, 2024
From there, New York stretched their lead to 18 points. Stellar on both sides of the ball, Liberty star Breanna Stewart finished with 34 points, five rebounds, and four assists. 12-19 and 2-4 from deep, number 30 finished with a pair of steals and a block. With 20 first-half points, Stewart was quick to remind the Aces why she was the 2023 WNBA MVP.
For Stewart, the former UConn Husky had the entire offseason to reflect on the Finals loss against the Aces. Failing to bank the game-winning shot, the Aces won their second championship on the Liberty’s home court. Never losing sight of who she is, Stewart vows to be better.
Stew York City is officially back.
“I don’t forget who I am and what I can do,” said Stewart post-game. “Every opportunity I get, I’m going to continue to be better. Last time wasn’t my most proudest, but I’m going to continue to be better now.”
Along with Stewart, Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu finished with 21 points, four rebounds, and five assists. Shining in the brightest moment, Ionescu finished 3-6 from deep, and was quite active on the defensive end. From puking in a trash can during last year’s finals to now, it’s clear Ionescu has improved her game for moment’s like this.
Notorious for her three-point shot, it’s been the improvements on defense and developing an inside game that’s been the x-factor. Overall, the Liberty finished as the number one seed in the WNBA and didn’t give anyone a reason to doubt that. 3-0 against the Aces in the regular season, New York continued to show why they’ve been the most dominant team in the WNBA.
New York has learned from their experiences vs the Aces
Sabrina Ionescu on the Liberty fans
“Every night I step up there, I want to be the best for this team” pic.twitter.com/ymIgCCBIqP
— Sara Jane Gamelli (@SaraJGamelli) September 29, 2024
The more experience the Liberty have against the Aces, the more they’ve been able to adapt to their defensive and offensive schemes. And that includes settling into their offense much quicker.
“Really familiar with a lot of these players, the second time around after seeing them,” said Ionescu. “Understanding all the looks they they’re going to throw at us. I feel like we prepared really well. Came out in game one and executed exactly like we were supposed to. “
Feeling the love from New York fans, Ionescu has developed a relationship with Spike Lee, who’s been present for the playoff matchups. Admitting he was the first to call her when drafted, Ionescu had nothing but praise for the Liberty fans.
As for Kelsey Plum, she was seen having a play full exchange with Spike Lee. Although the extent of the exchange is unknown, she was crucial in the Aces 12-0 run down the stretch. Despite closing the gap to 62-56, playing catch-up wasn’t in the poker cards.
Although the Liberty bench only put up nine points, Kayla Thornton, Kennedy Burke, Nyara Sabally, and Courtney Vandersloot all played crucial minutes, and performed actions that are not always shown in the box score. Each were critical in the hustle plays and defensive stops against the Aces.
Finishing with another double-double, Jones and Stewart were simply too powerful for the Aces in the front court. Continuing to attack in the paint, Jones tallied 13 points, 10 rebounds, and a pair of stocks. Although Laney-Hamilton played a total of 21 minutes, rookie Leonie Fiebich had a solid six points for the Liberty.
The Liberty continue to show their dominance as the top seed
Sabrina Ionescu with the THREE! 🎯
Liberty win 87-77 and take a 1-0 series lead over the Aces!
Who’s winning this semi-final matchup? pic.twitter.com/RpQkuekqjP
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) September 29, 2024
With elite spacing, every single Liberty player can take over at any given moment. Given all five starters can hit from deep, it starts with the double team. With the blitz, Fiebich has been crucial in hitting those wide-open three-pointers. A lengthy, versatile defender, Fiebich fills a ton of gaps missing from last season.
Shooting 50 percent from the floor, New York finished a respectable 42.1 percent from the three-point line. While continuing to expose the Aces weakness, which is defense, coach Sandy Brondello is not afraid to give her team praise.
“This is a really good team, we’re a really good team,” Brondello mentioned post-game. “We understand how we want to play. We want to exploit them as much as we can. I thought we had really good patience, and we seek the best shot most possessions. You have to do that against a team like this that can put up a lot of points.”
Far from over, the New York Liberty will host the Las Vegas Aces tonight. With tip-off set to take place at 7:30 p.m. ET, the Aces will have a chance for a game two redemption. The best-of-five series, the winner will advance to the WNBA Finals.
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Sara Jane Gamelli is a full-time Sportswriter, Content Creator and Social Media Manager for Ballislife Bets. She has a focus on the Women’s Basketball and the NBA. Sara Jane currently resides in Connecticut/NYC area with her Cat and Dog. SJ has her undergraduate degree from the University of Connecticut in Economics, with a minor in business administration.
