WNBA Semifinals: Liberty Triumph Over Aces, Sun Secure Narrow Win Against Lynx

In a thrilling start to the WNBA playoff semifinals, Sabrina Ionescu led the New York Liberty to an 87-77 victory over the defending champion Las Vegas Aces. The game, held at the Barclays Center, was a spectacle for fans, including basketball superfan Spike Lee, who proudly wore an Ionescu jersey while cheering for the home team.

Ionescu scored 21 points, showcasing her talent as she helped her team secure an important win. The Olympic gold medalist reflected on her connection with Lee, who has been a longtime supporter since her days at Oregon. “He was the first person who called me and shared the excitement with New York getting the No. 1 pick in 2020,” Ionescu said. Their friendship has blossomed over the years, and Ionescu appreciated seeing Lee courtside, animatedly engaging with the game.

Known for his courtside antics, Lee didn’t hold back as he exchanged playful banter with Aces guard Kelsey Plum during the third quarter. “I can’t say exactly what was said, but I told him that he should talk louder,” Plum commented, highlighting the fun atmosphere that Lee brought to the game.

This matchup marked a rematch of last year’s WNBA Finals, which the Aces had won in four games. The Liberty, eager to secure their first championship, came out strong from the start. Breanna Stewart, determined to improve on her previous Finals performance, dominated early by scoring 20 of her game-high 34 points in the first half.

Although the Aces fought back, thanks to contributions from Plum and league MVP A’ja Wilson—who scored 24 and 21 points respectively—the Liberty maintained their lead. As the game intensified, it was Ionescu who became the key player in the final moments, hitting two crucial three-pointers in the fourth quarter that sent the crowd into a frenzy.

“We came out, it’s Game 1, we wanted to play with a sense of urgency and protect our home court,” said Liberty coach Sandy Brondello, emphasizing the importance of the victory as they aim for the championship.

Meanwhile, the Connecticut Sun edged out the Minnesota Lynx 73-70 in a closely contested Game 1 of their own semifinal series. Marina Mabrey led the Sun with a game-high 20 points, while Alyssa Thomas came just shy of a triple-double, finishing with 17 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists.

The Lynx, bolstered by star player Napheesa Collier—recently named WNBA Defensive Player of the Year—put up a strong fight. Collier recorded 19 points, nine rebounds, two steals, and a block, but it wasn’t enough to clinch the win. Despite the loss, Lynx forward Bridget Carleton, who contributed 17 points, remained optimistic about their chances moving forward. “It’s a long series for a reason. We have all the faith in the world that we’ll perform better on Tuesday night and hopefully come out with a win,” she said.

Sun coach Stephanie White praised her team’s defensive efforts, which ultimately made the difference in this nail-biting game. “This is a team and a franchise that has hung our hats on defense,” White noted, emphasizing the importance of disrupting the Lynx’s offensive flow.

Both series will continue on Tuesday, with the Liberty looking to take a commanding lead against the Aces and the Lynx aiming to bounce back at home. As the playoffs unfold, the intensity and excitement of WNBA basketball promise to deliver thrilling moments for fans and players alike.