Jewell Loyd scored 21 points, including five three-pointers off the bench, as the Las Vegas Aces defeated the New York Liberty 83-77 on Wednesday night, securing their fifth consecutive victory. This marked Las Vegas’ first regular-season win over New York since August 17, 2023, highlighting their growing momentum.
Key Contributors Fuel the Aces’ Victory
A’ja Wilson delivered a dominant performance with 17 points and 16 rebounds, recording her 15th double-double of the season. Jackie Young contributed 15 points, while Chelsea Gray added 13 for Las Vegas. Loyd’s five made three-pointers marked her 26th career game achieving that feat, tying her with coach Becky Hammon for the third-most in <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/basketball/wnba/”>WNBA history.
For New York, Emma Meesseman led the team with 24 points and 10 rebounds, and Sabrina Ionescu scored 18 points. Jonquel Jones added 11 points, seven rebounds, and five assists. Notably, the Liberty played without Breanna Stewart, Isabelle Harrison, and Nyara Sabally due to injuries.
Crucial Plays in the Final Quarters
Late in the third quarter, Loyd and Young hit consecutive three-pointers. Young then converted a four-point play after being fouled, giving Las Vegas its first lead since early in the second quarter at 59-58. The Liberty struggled in the fourth quarter, missing eight straight shots until Meesseman’s hook shot pushed them ahead 69-68 with just over five minutes remaining.
Las Vegas secured three offensive rebounds during a key possession late in the game, which led to two free throws by Wilson, extending their lead to 80-74. The Aces scored 22 points in the fourth quarter, with 15 coming from free throws. Meesseman and Ionescu accounted for all 14 of New York’s points during that period.
Implications of the Win for the Aces’ Season
This victory further strengthens the Las Vegas Aces’ playoff positioning as they continue to build cohesion and confidence with crucial contributions from their bench, notably Jewell Loyd. The team’s ability to execute in late-game situations demonstrates their resilience and potential to maintain this winning streak as the season progresses.