Las Vegas Aces forward A’ja Wilson is averaging an impressive 24.9 points and 11.3 rebounds this postseason. Photo by Lorie Shaull/Wikimedia Commons
Oct. 12 (UPI) — In a remarkable performance, A’ja Wilson, a two-time MVP, showcased her dominance on both ends of the court, recording 26 points and 15 rebounds to lead the Las Vegas Aces to a commanding 104-76 victory over the New York Liberty in Game 2 of the 2023 WNBA Finals.
With this win, the Aces are inching closer to clinching their second consecutive title, aiming to become the first WNBA team in over 20 years to achieve back-to-back championships.
“We understand the importance of this game,” remarked Wilson during an ESPN broadcast. “We had to ensure that we defended our home court.”
“We are fully aware of the capabilities of our opponents. We’ve been in similar situations before. We recognized the need to focus on our defensive efforts, and everything else would fall into place.”
Throughout the game, the Aces, who had an outstanding regular season with 34 wins, outperformed the Liberty with their shooting accuracy. They boasted a shooting percentage of 52.9%, compared to the Liberty’s 36.1%. Additionally, the Aces excelled behind the arc, converting 44.8% of their 3-point attempts, in contrast to the Liberty’s 22.9%.
The Aces displayed remarkable teamwork with 31 assists and only nine turnovers during their decisive victory. Wilson was the star of the first quarter, contributing 12 of the Aces’ 38 points. She continued her impressive performance in the third quarter, adding another 10 points to her tally.
Wilson showcased her efficiency by converting 10 of her 16 shot attempts and making all five of her free throws. In addition to her scoring prowess, the star forward, who finished third in the WNBA MVP voting, contributed three assists while also recording a block and steal.
“This lady has been absolutely sensational,” commended Aces coach Becky Hammon to reporters. “She has faced all sorts of criticism. Third in MVP voting? That’s a joke. Her efficiency on both ends of the court has been nothing short of remarkable.”
Jackie Young, the Aces’ guard, also delivered a stellar performance, accumulating 24 points, eight rebounds, and four assists. Kelsey Plum contributed 23 points and eight assists, while Chelsea Gray, another guard for the Aces, added 14 points and 11 assists.
Breanna Stewart, the reigning WNBA MVP, recorded 14 points, 13 rebounds, three assists, and two steals. Jonquel Jones, the 2021 WNBA MVP, demonstrated her skills with 22 points and 10 rebounds for the Liberty in the losing effort.
The Liberty had not faced consecutive defeats throughout the season. However, history favors teams that secure a 2-0 lead in the WNBA Finals. The past eight teams that faced a 0-2 deficit in the Finals were unable to overcome the challenge, resulting in seven series sweeps.
“This league is incredibly talented, and our opponents are an exceptional team,” acknowledged Wilson. “We must keep up the intensity and maintain our momentum.”
Game 3 of the best-of-five series will take place in Brooklyn, where the Liberty (2-0) will host the Aces (0-2) at 3 p.m. EDT on Sunday. The game will be televised on ABC.
