New York Liberty Face Elimination After Game 2 Blowout Loss to Las Vegas Aces

The New York Liberty, known for their resilience and consistency throughout the season, found themselves in an unfamiliar position after a devastating 104-76 loss to the Las Vegas Aces in Game 2 of the WNBA Finals. The Liberty, led by coach Sandy Brondello, had not suffered consecutive losses all season, but they now stand on the brink of elimination.

Coach Brondello, who is renowned for her calm demeanor, displayed bewilderment and disappointment in her postgame remarks. She lamented her team’s lack of toughness, the ease with which the Aces scored, and the absence of resistance and grit. The Liberty’s star players, including MVPs Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones, echoed similar sentiments, acknowledging the need for a deeper effort and a return to their winning form.

The Liberty face a daunting task as they head into Game 3 at Barclays Center. Historically, teams trailing 0-2 in a best-of-five WNBA playoff series have rarely managed to overcome such deficits, often succumbing to sweeps in the Finals.

The potential for a sweep by either team seemed unlikely just a week ago. New York had split the regular-season series with Las Vegas and won the Commissioner’s Cup championship game in August. However, the Aces had shown their dominance by sweeping the Chicago Sky in the first round and the Dallas Wings in the semifinals.

Despite their tough journey to the Finals, the Liberty appeared to gain chemistry and resilience as the playoffs progressed. They rebounded from a Game 1 loss to the Connecticut Sun to win three straight, including two away games.

In Game 2 against the Aces, the Liberty’s defense struggled to contain Las Vegas’s trio of guards. The Aces set a WNBA Finals-record with 38 first-quarter points, thanks to impressive shooting, including 3-pointers. Jackie Young and Kelsey Plum were instrumental, while A’ja Wilson excelled in the low post. The Aces became the first team in WNBA history to have three 20-point scorers in consecutive postseason games.

In contrast, the Liberty’s offense faltered, with poor shooting percentages compared to Game 1. Key players, including Courtney Vandersloot and Sabrina Ionescu, struggled to find their rhythm, and Breanna Stewart’s performance was limited.

Coach Brondello emphasized the need for her team to step up defensively, set better screens, and play smarter. The Liberty must improve their shot selection, and players like Betnijah Laney and Marine Johannes must contribute more to the team’s success.

As they face the brink of elimination, the Liberty must regroup, find their fighting spirit, and focus on winning Game 3. They need a collective effort to disrupt the Aces’ confident guards and improve their offensive execution.

Coach Brondello challenged her team to prove they are better than their recent performances, and the Liberty are determined to show their true potential as they aim to extend the series.

The New York Liberty now face a do-or-die situation in Game 3, where they must rediscover their grit and determination to keep their championship dreams alive.