The Liberty started their semi-final perfectly against the two-time defending champions at the Barclays Center. The New Yorkers knew how to get into the game thanks to their defensive rigor, and were able to rely on the “mismatches” generated to Breanna Stewart Or Jonquel Jones in attack to gradually make the difference. Their first quarter was solid (28-21), and the second run before the break (48-38) did the rest to definitively distance Becky Hammon's Las Vegas Aces.
A constant benchmark in attack, the Ionescu-Stewart tandem was unleashed until the end, scoring 55 of the Liberty's 87 points. After her 3/17 during Game 4 of the 2023 Finals against the Aces, Breanna Stewart was particularly vengeful, displaying her entire offensive palette by being incisive from the start then offering up to 18 points in advance to his team with a 3-pointer full of composure in the third quarter (62-44).
“I think I wanted to come out on the field and set the tone, be aggressive and take what the defense was going to give me”she declared after the meeting.
Sabrina Ionescu to close the meeting
Sabrina Ionescu then took over to respond to the 12-0 Aces (62-56). There were three precious baskets near the circle, a bright pass for Kennedy Burke, then two liberating 3-point arrows, one of which was on a service from Breanna Stewart, to once again relegate Las Vegas to 13 lengths behind. entry of “money-time” (81-68).
Breanna Stewart was thus “quietly” able to finish the job, finishing the game with 34 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists and a decisive first victory (87-77).
Opposite they are Kelsey Plum And A’ja Wilson who led the charge with 24 and 21 points respectively. Dominated in intensity and faced with very complicated defensive choices, the Las Vegas Aces have not yet said their last word. “We have no choice, we have to win Game 2”concluded Becky Hammon.
The appointment is made this Tuesday for Game 2, still in New York.
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How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive rebound; T = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Pts = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
