Facing elimination and aiming for a third consecutive championship, the Aces, who are the current champions, overwhelmed the New York Liberty with a score of 95-81 in Game 3 of the WNBA semifinals held at Michelob ULTRA Arena.

“This is a must-win game. I can’t just sit down; that would be like giving up,” A’ja Wilson remarked, having played the entire first half. “I understood the importance of being the leader my team required right from the start … and making sure we executed at home.”

The first half was tightly contested, but a decisive 21-6 run in the third quarter allowed the Aces to extend their lead and secure a 14-point victory.

The Aces recorded a shooting percentage of 52.1% and made 13 of 32 three-point attempts. Jackie Young led the team with 24 points and six rebounds, Kelsey Plum added 20 points with three rebounds, and Wilson contributed 19 points along with 14 rebounds. In contrast, the Liberty managed a field goal percentage of 38.8% and converted 12 of their 29 three-point attempts.

The Aces will strive to avoid elimination once again in Game 4, scheduled for Sunday at 3 p.m. ET on ABC. Historically, no WNBA playoff team has managed to come back from a 0-2 deficit (0-18). The Aces are pursuing to become the first team in over 20 years to achieve a three-peat since the Houston Comets did it from 1997 to 2000.

Here’s what transpired in Game 3 between the Aces and Liberty:

Aces vs. Liberty recap

Jackie Young performance

Jackie Young, a guard for the Aces, led all scorers with 24 points, alongside six rebounds and four assists in the victory over New York. Young had previously scored 17 points in both of the initial games against the Liberty.

Kelsey Plum performance

Kelsey Plum, an Aces guard, rebounded from a six-point outing in Game 2 against the Liberty to finish with 20 points, three rebounds, two assists, and one steal.

In Game 1, Plum scored 24 points, with a successful 4-for-8 from three-point range. She averaged 17.8 points along with 4.2 assists, 0.7 steals, and 2.6 rebounds during the regular season.

Owner of Las Vegas Aces

Mark Davis, who also owns the NFL’s Las Vegas Raiders, acquired the Aces in 2021.

WNBA playoff layout

First round

Sunday, Sept. 22:

• Game 1: New York 83, Atlanta 69
• Game 1: Connecticut 93, Indiana 69
• Game 1: Minnesota 102, Phoenix 95
• Game 1: Las Vegas 78, Seattle 67

Tuesday, Sept. 24:

• Game 2: New York 91, Atlanta 82, Liberty win series 2-0
• Game 2: Las Vegas 83, Seattle 76, Aces win series 2-0

Wednesday, Sept. 25:

• Game 2: Connecticut 87, Indiana 81, Sun win series 2-0
• Game 2: Minnesota 101, Phoenix 88, Lynx win series 2-0

Semifinals

Las Vegas Aces vs. New York Liberty

• Game 1, Sept. 29: New York 87, Las Vegas 77
• Game 2, Oct. 1: New York 88, Las Vegas 84
• Game 3, Oct. 4: Las Vegas 95, New York 81, Liberty lead series 2-1
• Game 4, Oct. 6: New York at Las Vegas, 3 p.m. ET on ABC
• Game 5*, Oct. 8: Las Vegas at New York, TBD on ESPN2

Connecticut Sun vs. Minnesota Lynx

• Game 1, Sept. 29: Connecticut 73, Minnesota 70
• Game 2, Oct. 1: Minnesota 77, Connecticut 70
• Game 3, Oct. 4: Minnesota 90, Connecticut 81, Lynx lead series 2-1
• Game 4, Oct. 6: Minnesota at Connecticut, 5 p.m. ET on ESPN
• Game 5*, Oct. 8: Connecticut at Minnesota, TBD on ESPN2
• (* – Only if necessary; all times are Eastern)

Upcoming WNBA playoff schedule

Sunday, Oct. 6

• Game 4: Minnesota at Connecticut, TBA, Lynx lead series 2-1
• Game 4: New York at Las Vegas, 3 p.m. ET, Liberty lead series 2-1

Tuesday, Oct. 8

• Game 5: Connecticut at Minnesota, TBA (if necessary)
• Game 5: Las Vegas at New York, TBA (if necessary)

WNBA Finals

• Game 1: Thursday, Oct. 10
• Game 2: Sunday, Oct. 13
• Game 3: Wednesday, Oct. 16
• Game 4: Friday, Oct. 18 (if necessary)
• Game 5: Sunday, Oct. 20 (if necessary)

Final score: Aces vs. Liberty

Las Vegas secures another opportunity to continue. The Aces triumph in Game 3 with a score of 95-81.

Structure of WNBA gameplay

WNBA matches are divided into four quarters, each lasting 10 minutes.

Aces-Liberty score following the third quarter

After a fierce first half that featured a record 18 lead changes in WNBA playoff history, the Aces forged ahead with a commanding lead of 73-55 over the Liberty, aiming to extend the series to Game 4. A’ja Wilson produced a double-double with 17 points and 13 rebounds, marking her 20th playoff double-double. Kelsey Plum led the team with 18 points, while Jackie Young added 16.

During the third quarter, the Liberty struggled, only scoring 6 points and committing six turnovers, which ignited a 17-0 scoring streak by the Aces for their largest lead of the contest. The Liberty went scoreless for a span of eight minutes in that quarter.

Breanna Stewart recorded just one point in the third, totaling 15 points overall in the game, while Sabrina Ionescu remained without any points.

Luka Doncic at Liberty-Aces game

This evening, several NBA personalities are attending the game at the Michelob ULTRA Arena. The Dallas Mavericks are conducting their training camp in Las Vegas, with Luka Doncic and Derek Lively II seated beside coach Jason Kidd, just a few seats away from the New York Liberty’s bench.

While they don’t seem to be rooting for either the Aces or the Liberty, they have exchanged several “did-you-see-that?” glances after witnessing impressive shots made by players from both teams.

Aces surge ahead of Liberty

The Las Vegas Aces kicked off the third quarter with a powerful 17-4 run, extending their three-point lead at halftime to a 69-53 edge against New York. A’ja Wilson has 17 points and 13 rebounds, while Jackie Young has contributed 16 points, five rebounds, and four assists.

New York Liberty coach

Sandy Brondello is in her third season as the head coach of the Liberty. She joined New York after an eight-season tenure in Phoenix, where she clinched the WNBA Finals title in her debut year (2014). Brondello guided the Liberty to the WNBA Finals last season, where they faced off against the Aces.

Courtney Vandersloot performance

The Liberty’s guard, now in her 13th year, is making her mark while coming off the bench against the Aces. In the first half, Courtney Vandersloot recorded nine points, three rebounds, and three assists, standing out as the second-highest scorer for New York in the first half.

Halftime score: Liberty vs. Aces

Las Vegas has a slight lead of 52-49 as the teams head into halftime. The first half was keenly contested, with neither team leading by more than four points at any given time.

A’ja Wilson, the Aces’ star player, was active throughout the first half, gathering 13 points and eight rebounds, while Jackie Young also contributed with 13 points and four rebounds. The Aces achieved a field goal shooting percentage of 52.8% and made 7 out of 14 three-pointers, though they need to tighten their transition defense due to allowing eight fast-break points.

Breanna Stewart leads the scoring for the Liberty with 14 points, despite missing some straightforward layups in the latter moments of the half. Meanwhile, Sabrina Ionescu is yet to score (0 of 4 FG, 0 of 1 3PT) but is actively involved with five assists, three rebounds, and a block.

The Liberty’s shooting percentages stand at 42.1% from the field and 7 out of 14 from beyond the arc.

Liberty and Aces protecting the ball

Both teams have done well in terms of ball control, combining for a mere five turnovers in the first half: three for Vegas and two for New York, a statistic that both coaching staffs will surely appreciate.

After Game 2, Becky Hammon expressed frustration over the number of layups scored by the Liberty, noting their ease of access at the basket. She highlighted the correlation between turnovers and easy points, humorously suggesting that her team should guard the ball as fiercely as one guards their happiness.

Breanna Stewart’s performance

Breanna Stewart faced a challenging last few minutes of the first half, missing three straightforward opportunities, including two excellent setups from Sabrina Ionescu. After her third successive miss, Stewart was expressive, yet she finished the half with 14 points. Although she’s leading the game in score, she’ll likely be frustrated by her shooting accuracy of 5-for-11.

Sabrina Ionescu’s performance

Sabrina Ionescu, a prominent guard for the Liberty, did not register any points during the first half against the Aces, going 0 for 4 from the field, which included one three-point attempt. Nevertheless, Ionescu made significant contributions with five assists, three rebounds, and one block.

Jonquel Jones in foul trouble

Jonquel Jones had to step off the court after committing her third foul in the second quarter. With 4:12 remaining in the half, she was charged with her second foul, and just five seconds later, she got her third. She was called for a foul after swiping at A’ja Wilson while contesting her layup. Currently, Jones has five points, three rebounds, and one block. She isn’t the only one with foul concerns, as Aces’ sixth player of the Year Tiffany Hayes and Alysha Clark also accumulated three fouls each.

Chelsea Gray’s impressive passing

Chelsea Gray, affectionately dubbed the “point gawd,” showcases why her teammates and even rivals admire her skills with eye-catching passes. The All-Star and Olympian boasts four assists so far, and notably, has committed no turnovers during the game.

Quarter 1 score: Liberty vs. Aces

The Aces have taken an early 26-23 lead following the first quarter. With urgency, the Aces began strong, as 2024 WNBA MVP A’ja Wilson quickly added seven points to the scoreboard. Jackie Young contributed with ten points, four rebounds, and two assists, while the Aces displayed an efficient shooting percentage of 50% from the field (10 of 20) and 3-point range (4 of 8). Tiffany Hayes, the sixth player of the Year, also provided seven points off the bench.

The Liberty effectively responded to the Aces’ attempts. Breanna Stewart led the Liberty with seven points, and Jonquel Jones added five points. The Liberty’s shooting percentages stood at 43.1% from the field (7 of 16) and 42.9% from three-point range (3 of 7).

When is Liberty vs. Aces Game 3?

The semifinal matchup between the WNBA teams is set for Friday in Paradise, Nevada.

What time will Liberty face Aces in Game 3?

The game is scheduled to begin at 9:30 p.m. ET.

Where will Game 3 between Liberty and Aces take place?

The matchup will unfold at the Michelob ULTRA Arena in Paradise, Nevada.

How to view Liberty vs. Aces Game 3

The third game in this best-of-five series will be broadcast on ESPN2 and can be streamed on Fubo.

How to stream Liberty and Aces Game 3

Game 3 will be available for streaming on Fubo, with availability in local TV markets. Additionally, fans can watch the Liberty-Aces game on demand after it concludes via the WNBA League Pass, which can be accessed by downloading the WNBA app.

Lynx-Sun final score

The Minnesota Lynx currently lead the Connecticut team with a score of 2-1.

The Sun claimed Game 3 with a score of 90-81 while playing away from home. Napheesa Collier was outstanding, achieving a double-double with 26 points, 11 rebounds, two steals, and one block. Courtney Williams contributed 14 points, and the bench players collectively scored 16 points. All but one of the Lynx starters ended the game in double digits.

With just 1:20 left in the game, the Sun managed to narrow the Lynx’s lead to seven points, but Minnesota quickly responded, scoring four straight points to secure their victory.

This encapsulated the evening’s events. While the Sun improved their shooting performance, they struggled to contain the Lynx’s offense. Minnesota recorded an impressive 57.4% shooting accuracy from the field, overshadowing the Sun’s 41.1%. Furthermore, Connecticut had difficulties from long range, hitting only 15% of their three-point attempts (3 of 20).

DeWanna Bonner Climbs the Playoff Scoring Ladder

DeWanna Bonner is further cementing her playoff legacy. The star of the Connecticut Sun has surpassed Candace Parker (1,149 points) to claim the second spot on the all-time playoff points leaderboard, now totaling 1,150 points and still counting. Diana Taurasi from the Phoenix Mercury, who used to be Bonner’s teammate, holds the record with 1,486 playoff points. Bonner achieved this milestone in the third quarter of Game 3 against the Lynx, contributing 13 points and eight rebounds during that period.

Aces Starting Lineup

• Chelsea Gray
• Kelsey Plum
• Jackie Young
• Alysha Clark
• A’ja Wilson

Liberty Starting Lineup

• Sabrina Ionescu
• Leonie Fiebich
• Betnijah Laney-Hamilton
• Breanna Stewart
• Jonquel Jones

Score Update: Lynx vs. Sun After 3rd Quarter

The Connecticut Sun trailed the Minnesota Lynx by eight points before the Lynx executed a 9-3 run, extending their lead back into double digits and finishing the third quarter ahead 68-54.

Marina Mabrey from the Sun started to find her rhythm in the third quarter, scoring seven of her 11 total points (5 of 15 shooting), although she continued to experience difficulties from three-point range, going 0 for 6. As a team, the Sun shot only 13.3% from beyond the arc (2 of 15) and missed their last nine attempts.

Napheesa Collier is close to a double-double with 18 points and seven rebounds, while Courtney Williams also provided support with 14 points and six rebounds.

WNBA Playoff Structure

• The first round is played as a best-of-three series.
• The semifinals are a best-of-five series.
• The WNBA Finals follow a best-of-five format.

Aces’ Tiffany Hayes Awarded WNBA Sixth Player of the Year

The Las Vegas Aces stand just steps away from elimination. In their favor, they have not just the 2024 WNBA MVP – A’ja Wilson – but also the newly named Sixth Player of the Year, Tiffany Hayes. This recognition was awarded just before Game 3 against the Liberty. Hayes, who officially retired at the start of the 2024 WNBA season, was signed by the Aces in late May and averaged 9.5 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists this season.

“I appreciate everyone. I’m so thrilled to be here; I’ve been having an amazing experience,” Hayes expressed after Aces coach Becky Hammon announced her award. “This is our award.”

Kiah Stokes Unavailable for Aces

The Aces, already facing challenges, received news this week that 6-foot-3 center Kiah Stokes would miss Game 3.

Stokes suffered a collision with Liberty forward Jonquel Jones late in the third quarter of Game 2 while both were battling for a rebound. After the impact, she fell hard and was unable to return to the court. Currently, she is in concussion protocol.

Although Stokes averaged only 1.4 points and started 29 games during the regular season, she plays a crucial defensive role for the Aces, especially against a Liberty squad with considerable size, featuring 6-foot-6 Jones and 6-foot-4 Breanna Stewart.

Aces vs. Liberty: A Showdown of Top Sixth Women

In Game 3 between the New York Liberty and Las Vegas Aces, fans will witness a clash of some of the WNBA’s top stars, including outstanding bench talent.

Tiffany Hayes of the Aces was honored as Sixth Woman of the Year, receiving 38 out of 67 first-place votes, while Leonie Fiebich from the Liberty finished as the runner-up with 21 votes.

Fiebich, a 24-year-old rookie from Germany, has been remarkable for the Liberty this season and has played a key role in their late-game strategies. She averaged 6.7 points, 3.0 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.0 steals during the regular season and played for the German national team in the Paris Olympics. Earlier this week, she was also named to the WNBA All-Rookie team.

WNBA Finals Schedule

• Game 1: Thursday, Oct. 10
• Game 2: Sunday, Oct. 13
• Game 3: Wednesday, Oct. 16
• Game 4*: Friday, Oct. 18
• Game 5*: Sunday, Oct. 20
• (* – If necessary; all times Eastern)

Aces Need Guards to Elevate Their Game

Kelsey Plum stirred things up by engaging New York basketball fan Spike Lee during Game 1 of the WNBA semifinals between the Las Vegas Aces and New York Liberty, hinting at an imminent scoring surge.

Renowned for her trash-talking skills, Plum recounted to reporters that she couldn’t share all the details of their exchange, but encouraged him to “speak louder.” She ended up scoring 24 points, helping to keep the Aces competitive.

However, her fellow guards did not match her output. Following Game 1, Plum was less concerned about her own statistics. For the Aces to succeed, the trio of guards—Plum, Jackie Young, and Chelsea Gray—must elevate their performance. Read the full report by Lindsay Schnell.

Lynx-Sun Score After 1st Quarter

After evening the playoff series at 1-1, the Minnesota Lynx had a strong start against the Connecticut Sun. Napheesa Collier was a standout, contributing eight of the Lynx’s 23 points in the first quarter, nearly reaching her total from Game 2 (nine points). The Lynx’s bench also performed well, scoring the final seven points of the quarter to help them lead 23-16.

The Sun are struggling, shooting just 38.9% (7 of 18) compared to Minnesota’s solid 57.9% (11 of 19). DiJonai Carrington leads the Sun with six points.

How Many Quarters Are in WNBA Games?

WNBA games consist of four quarters, each lasting 10 minutes.

Caitlin Clark Named Rookie of the Year

Caitlin Clark, who was the No. 1 overall pick after breaking numerous records, has been recognized as the Rookie of the Year.