The WNBA semifinal collection between the No. 1-seed New York Liberty and No. 4-seed Las Vegas Aces shifts tonight. The Liberty have performed on their dwelling court docket for each playoff recreation thus far this postseason, and as they head to Las Vegas for Recreation 3 in opposition to the Aces, the stakes are larger than ever. The sport suggestions off at 9:30 p.m. ET on ESPN2.
After assembly within the WNBA Finals final season, these two groups have encountered one another sooner than anticipated. It’s a really totally different dynamic this time round, although. The Liberty received all three common season video games over the Aces, after which got here into this collection and received the primary two video games. They are going to now have three probabilities to finish this collection and safe one other journey to the Finals.
The extra fascinating a part of Recreation 3 is that the Aces are going through elimination. Whereas they’ve actually had a more durable season in 2024, a sweep by the hands of their rival could be a giant shock. But, they’ve struggled in opposition to the Liberty all season.
Listed here are some issues to consider going into Recreation 3:
Sabrina Ionescu’s been on fireplace
One factor Vegas wants to consider going into Recreation 3 is making an attempt to decelerate Sabrina Ionescu. The Liberty’s No. 1 draft decide from 2020 has been completely deadly in the course of the playoffs. She has scored 21 and 24 factors within the first two video games of the semifinals, and her protection has been glorious.
It looks as if the Aces can’t hold observe of Ionescu, Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones on the identical time. One in every of them is at all times cooking, and when two are—hazard!
Ionescu is very motivated and can carry that power proper into Vegas. The gang received’t be together with her although, so she should dig deep to provide these outcomes.
A’ja Wilson can’t do all of it
After all. A’ja Wilson was the unanimous MVP. However she will’t win a championship alone. The Liberty have finished decently nicely at defending her, not letting her get to her regular 25-plus factors per recreation. Nonetheless, her influence on each side of the ball can’t be denied.
Kelsey Plum contributed in Recreation 1, however Chelsea Grey has not seemed herself on this collection, and Jackie Younger is seemingly combating an undisclosed damage. With Kiah Stokes in all probability our for the remainder of this collection after struggling a concussion in Recreation 2, the Aces should go deeper into their bench.
Surprisingly, regardless of the struggles within the frontcourt, Becky Hammon hasn’t gone to Megan Gustafson but. She seemingly will see some minutes with Stokes out in Recreation 3. Regardless, A’ja’s teammates must step up if this group goes to outlive to a Recreation 4.
Candy revenge is brewing
Spooky season is upon us? The Liberty certain have seemed spooky this playoff collection. After the devastating loss within the Finals final 12 months, New York has been ready for this second. If this collection win comes as a sweep, their confidence could be at an all-time excessive heading into the Finals.
They’ve three probabilities to clinch the collection, and it will be stunning to see this Aces group beat this Liberty group three video games in a row. Nonetheless, the playoffs are the place something can occur.
Recreation data
No. 1-seed New York Liberty (2-0) vs. No. 4-seed Las Vegas Aces (0-2)
When: Friday, Oct. 4 at 9:30 p.m. ET
The place: Michelob ULTRA Enviornment in Las Vegas, NV
The best way to watch: ESPN2
Liberty damage report: none
Aces damage report: Kiah Stokes (out; concussion)
