WNBA: Champion Aces bank on strong second half in Game 3 wins, extends semis vs Liberty

A’Ja Wilson and the two-time defending champion Las Vegas Aces are down but not out. 

One win secured, two more to go. 

The three-time MVP set the tone early and finished with 19 points and 14 rebounds, pushing the Aces past the Liberty in Game 3, 95-81, to cut the semifinal series deficit to 2-1. 

After an electrifying Game 3 win, the love for the Las Vegas Aces is pouring in from the stars 🌟#WNBAPlayoffs presented @google pic.twitter.com/jY0mwKaQM1

— WNBA (@WNBA) October 5, 2024

Las Vegas responded like the champions that they are with their season on the line as Jackie Young topscored the squad with 22 markers with five boards and six assists including four triples.

Aces NOT done yet ??

After facing elimination for the first time since 2021, the Las Vegas Aces force a Game 4 against the Liberty in the Semi-Finals! Jackie Young led the charge with 24 points 🔥

Final Score: 95-81#WelcometotheW | #WNBAPlayoffs presented by @Google pic.twitter.com/fDGNmr66M1

— WNBA (@WNBA) October 5, 2024

Kelsey Plum rebounded from a lackluster Game 2 with a 20-point outing, while Chelsea Gray chipped in 10 markers for the Aces, who shot 52 % and led by as many as 25 points. 

Facing their first elimination game under the Becky Hammon era, Las Vegas pulled away thanks to a decisive 17-2 run to end the third frame and carry a 73-55 lead heading to the fourth.

17-2 Run and IN FULL CONTROL ??

Kelsey Plum drains the triple and the crowd erupts!

📺 Aces-Liberty on ESPN2 | #WNBAPlayoffs presented by @Google pic.twitter.com/LRfo8BbdL1

— WNBA (@WNBA) October 5, 2024

They outscored Liberty, 21-6, in that quarter and it was basically game over from that point on forward. 

Las Vegas’ also limited New York’s Sabrina Ionescu to just four points on a 1-of-7 shooting along with five turnovers, after averaging 22.5 markers in the first two games of the series. 

Sab droppin' dimes to THE GENERAL 🫡

2??2?? triples it! | #LIGHTITUPNYL pic.twitter.com/5oPVejA4Fe

— New York Liberty (@nyliberty) October 5, 2024

Meanwhile, two-time MVP Breanna Stewart paced the Liberty with 19 points as Jonquel Jones and Nyara Sabally scored 11 apiece. 

ANOTHA ONE, THANK U @breannastewart 👌 https://t.co/ecDuSZwQMd pic.twitter.com/C9vy5teIvk

— New York Liberty (@nyliberty) October 5, 2024

 With the loss, the league–leading New York squad suffered their first loss in the postseason after rolling to four straight wins. 

Despite hitting 12 threes and winning the rebounding battle, the Liberty got pounded inside, 28-42, and committed more turnovers, 12-9. 

Game 4 of the series will be Monday, October 7 (PH Time).