by The two-time defending WNBA champs, wanna-be first-time champs met up for the final time in the regular season Sunday at Barclays Center The Las Vegas Aces walked off with the title claiming Game 4 on the Liberty's home floor last October, but this regular-season series went totally the other way After winning in June, August in Vegas, the Liberty didn't have a smooth ride this time They turned over a 20-point, third-quarter lead even though the Aces were missing their ace player, probably the soon-to-be three-time MVP, A'ja Wilson But the Liberty managed to complete the three-game sweep with a 75-71 victoryObviously, we're happy we're going away with the win, but we were up 20 at one point, Breanna Stewart said continuing to build, not relaxing at any point when you're on the courtStewart delivered 21 points, 11 rebounds, one huge block Jonquel Jones had 15 points, rebounds, eight, Sabrina Ionescu scored 14So the Liberty moved to 29-6, stayed three games ahead of Minnesota with five left in the race for the top seedStill, they had a worry Betnijah Laney-Hamilton collided with Jones early in the fourth, went down She grabbed her right knee It was her fifth game back following right knee surgeryJust praying that she will be OK, coach Sandy Brondello said She got hit pretty hard So let's see what the doc saysLas Vegas coach Becky Hammon said Wilson, the league's leading scorer at 273 points per game, tweaked her right ankle in Friday night's win at Connecticut She was in a boot, missed her first game since 2019 There's no like long-term concerns, Hammon saidThe Liberty took a 63-43 advantage with 235 remaining in the third The Aces 22-13 promptly went on a 25-5 run Kelsey Plum, who topped them with 25, nailed a three to tie it at 68-all with 236 remaining in the fourthIonescu countered with a jumper But Sydney Colson drilled a long three, Las Vegas had a 71-70 edge with 154 remainingStewart then missed the two free throws After Plum failed three-point range, Iones cu made another jumper, 72-71, LibertyPlum couldn't connect on a drive, Ionescu was fouled with 22 seconds left She canned one of twoAfter a Las Vegas timeout, Stewart blocked Jackie Young's shot with 55 seconds to go after a drive down the lane Jones made two free throws at 25 to clinch itWe have to go out, not take our foot off the gas, Ionescu saidThe Liberty trailed eight in the first quarter, but they rebounded to go up 45-33 at halftime against a team they very well could see in a postseason rematch, with Wilson on the courtEverything about them is better, Hammon said about the Liberty before the game I think they've been playing with a lot of purpose, a lot of edge, like they've got something to prove, they've proven it
Published in Newsday (09.09.2024)