The Las Vegas Aces, led by reigning MVP A’ja Wilson, are in a precarious spot. Despite Wilson’s efforts down the stretch, the New York Liberty secured an 88-84 victory in Game 2 of their second-round playoff series on Tuesday night, putting the Aces on the verge of elimination.
Fueled by Breanna Stewart’s all-around performance and Sabrina Ionescu’s clutch fourth-quarter heroics, the Liberty now hold a commanding 2-0 lead. Stewart, who dropped 34 points in Game 1, contributed 15 points, eight assists, and seven rebounds. Ionescu sealed the deal with 24 points, including 11 in the fourth quarter, and nine rebounds.
The Aces, coming off back-to-back titles, now face the daunting task of becoming the first defending champions to overcome a 2-0 deficit in a WNBA playoff series. The Liberty have history on their side—WNBA teams are 18-0 when leading a series 2-0.
Wilson led the Aces with 24 points and seven rebounds, but their late-game surge wasn’t enough. Jackie Young added 17 points, while Chelsea Gray chipped in 14 points and seven assists.
Game 3 will take place in Las Vegas on Friday, where the Aces must win to keep their hopes for a third straight championship alive, or the Liberty will punch their ticket to the WNBA Finals in search of their first title.
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