WNBA Playoffs: Las Vegas Aces Fight Back Against New York Liberty to Keep Three-Peat Dreams Alive

As the WNBA season nears its climax, the Las Vegas Aces successfully staved off elimination with a crucial victory against the New York Liberty, while Napheesa Collier made history for the Minnesota Lynx, who took a 2-1 series lead over the Connecticut Sun.

Facing the grim possibility of being swept in the semifinals, the Aces showcased their resilience by claiming a 95-81 victory in Game 3 of the best-of-five series on Friday. This win not only preserved their hopes for a three-peat but also posed a significant challenge, as no team in WNBA history has ever rallied from a 0-2 deficit in a best-of-five playoff format.

Aces coach Becky Hammon praised her team’s performance, stating, “Everything was just on point with everybody. I think that was probably our most complete game of the season, the game I’ve been waiting for and believing in that they had.” Her assessment reflected the team’s determination to rise to the occasion under pressure.

The match remained competitive at halftime, with the Aces holding a narrow lead of 52-49. However, a decisive 16-point run in the third quarter shifted the momentum, allowing the Aces to build a 24-point lead in the fourth quarter. Key contributions came from Jackie Young, who scored 24 points, and Kelsey Plum, who added 20. League MVP A’ja Wilson recorded a double-double with 19 points and 14 rebounds, reinforcing her reputation as a standout player.

The Aces’ defense also played a crucial role, effectively neutralizing Liberty star Sabrina Ionescu, who remained scoreless until the fourth quarter. “They lost two games allowing me to come off screens and pick them apart offensively,” Ionescu remarked after the game. “In this game, you were able to see the adjustments they made – sending two or three to the ball at one time and not letting me get anything easy.”

Before Friday’s game, the Aces had not managed to defeat the Liberty throughout the season, having lost all three regular-season matchups as well as the first two games of this playoff series. This victory marked Las Vegas’ 12th consecutive home playoff win, setting a new WNBA record previously held by the Los Angeles Sparks and Sacramento Monarchs.

With the series now at 2-1, the Aces will enjoy home court advantage once more when they face the Liberty in Game 4 at the Michelob Ultra Arena on Sunday at 3 PM ET.

Collier Makes History in Lynx’s Victory Over the Sun

In other playoff action, Napheesa Collier led the Minnesota Lynx to a 90-81 win against the Connecticut Sun, scoring 26 points and bouncing back after a subpar performance in Game 2. This victory gives the Lynx a 2-1 lead in their series and positions them one win away from advancing to the WNBA Finals for the first time since 2017.

Collier’s performance was particularly noteworthy as she became the first Lynx player to record multiple 25-point, 10-rebound games in playoff history. “It’s the law of averages. Sometimes you have an off night,” she told ESPN, reflecting on her Game 2 struggles where she only managed nine points. “But I knew I had to come in – it’s the playoffs. You have to play with an aggressive mindset, not remembering what happened the game before, but staying in the present moment.”

The Lynx will seek to close out the series in Game 4, which will take place in Connecticut on Sunday at 5 PM ET.

With both the Aces and Lynx vying for the championship, the WNBA playoffs are shaping up to be an exciting culmination of skill, determination, and fierce competition. As teams fight for a spot in the finals, fans can expect thrilling performances and unforgettable moments in the days to come.