Without question, the Las Vegas Aces have one of the best teams in the WNBA this season. The proof can be seen as they sit atop the league, winning nine of their last ten games. The Aces will face off against another team in the New York Liberty that has won nine of their last ten matchups as well.
These two powerhouses will square off for the Commissioner’s Cup. It’s important to note that this will be the third time they’ve faced off this season. Here are two keys for the Aces to win the season series versus the Liberty.
Stop Breanna Stewart
All things considered, this is easier said than done as Breanna Stewart is on pace for her second MVP award. In addition, Stewart is second in the WNBA in total points (698) and third in total rebounds (275). The Aces will rely heavily upon their two-time MVP in A’ja Wilson.
Wilson is arguably the frontrunner for Defensive Player of the Year, but the superstar forward can do it all. Wilson is third in total points with 636 and second in total rebounds with 289. That being said, she has controlled the paint defensively with a league-leading 65 blocks and a 92.1 defensive rating.
Unfortunately, the Aces will be without the services of Candace Parker indefinitely due to a right foot fracture. Head coach Becky Hammon will rely on Wilson to shut down Stewart.
Win the Backcourt
Next, the Las Vegas Aces will face one of the top backcourt duos in the WNBA: Sabrina Ionescu and Courtney Vandersloot. First, Ionescu is the only player in the league with over 100 three-pointers. The former Oregon Ducks star has a league-leading 101 made three-pointers.
Additionally, Ionescu is second on the Liberty in scoring with 16.8 points per game. Vandersloot is the floor general for the Liberty. She has the most assists in WNBA thus far this season (233).
However, the triumvirate of Kelsey Plum, Chelsea Gray, and Jackie Young are thriving under Hammon. Plum, Gray, and Young join Wilson in the top 20 for total points. All three guards are in the top 20 in total assists.
Also, Las Vegas are no slouches from beyond the arc as Young leads the league with a 47.5 three-point percentage. Moreover, Gray is second, shooting 45 percent from downtown.
Keep the Edge on Defense
Although Las Vegas has the fewest turnovers in the WNBA, the Liberty defense has been solid all season. New York possesses the third-best defensive rating at 100.8. The Aces have the top defensive rating at 98.2 and the Liberty has the fifth-most turnovers at 415
Overall, this game could see plenty of points or a defensive battle. Should it be the latter, Las Vegas must match New York to pull out the win.
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