The New York Liberty have been scorching, and their latest win all but ensures them a spot in the WNBA playoffs. It's been an action-packed week: from Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu shifting from winning an Olympic gold medal in Paris to key victories over the Los Angeles Sparks and the Las Vegas Aces, vesting the Liberty with the first playoff spot of the season.
Dominating the Aces
On Saturday, the Liberty took on the two-time defending champion Aces in Las Vegas, where they showed an almost clinching performance for a 79-67 win. Not only did that win seal their first place with a 23-4 record, but it also gave them a second victory over the Aces in Las Vegas this season. With a month remaining in the regular season, that win saw the Liberty become the first team to clinch a spot in the playoffs.
Of course, most instrumental to Liberty's success was Breanna Stewart. She was returning to the team after the Olympics. "We did our job. We won a gold medal and did something really special. This second half of the season is really important," Stewart said. Even with the little rest afforded them as they go into WNBA action, Stewart asserted that the bigger picture remains in winning the championship.
The Liberty were led by Sabrina Ionescu with 23 points, but Stewart added 18 points, 7 rebounds, 2 steals, and 2 blocks. Jonquel Jones was outstanding as well, finishing with 10 points, 17 rebounds, and 7 assists to help the Liberty triumph over the Aces—who never found their offensive rhythm all night and shot just 36.9 percent from the field and 29 percent from beyond the arc.
A'ja Wilson led the Aces to 24 points, 11 rebounds, 3 steals, and 3 blocks. That wasn't enough, however, as the Aces fell short and dropped to fifth place in the WNBA standings with a 16-9 record.
Looking Ahead
Liberty coach Sandy Brondello, fresh from also leading Australia to a bronze medal in Paris, isn't getting ahead of herself. As much as the Liberty have accomplished, she's aware there's much more work to do. "The job's not done. We'll be locked in," Brondello said, speaking about the need to stay even-keel and continue improving with the playoffs around the corner.
The Liberty may have clinched a playoff berth, but they are not resting on their laurels. Starting guard/forward Betnijah Laney-Hamilton is soon to return from knee surgery, and the Liberty will be taken to even greater heights.
With the WNBA season looming, all eyes are on the Liberty to hopefully make a first-ever win for the franchise and bring home the championship. With a strong team led by Stewart, Ionescu, and Brondello, the Liberty are well-prepped to go big in the league and continue in their quest for greatness.
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