WHITE PLAINS, NY (June 9, 2019)—The Las Vegas Aces are looking to win back-to-back games for the first time in 2019 this Sunday as they travel to the Westchester County Center for a 12 pm PT tip against the New York Liberty (Watch Coach Raimon’s Video Scout).
A win would also move the Aces back over the .500 mark. The last time Las Vegas (2-2) was above the .500 mark five or more games into the season was July 11, 2014 when the then San Antonio Silver Stars were 11-10.
The Aces are doing it primarily with defense so far this season, as they lead the WNBA in defensive field goal percentage (.381) and adjusted defensive field goal percentage (.385), as well as defensive rebound percentage (78.9%).
A’ja Wilson leads four members of the Aces scoring in double-figures on the season at 15.5 points per game. She has scored in double digits in each of her 37 games as a pro, which is the longest active streak in the WNBA. She is followed close behind by teammate Liz Cambage, who has scored in double figures in 35 straight games. Cambage is averaging 14.0 points per game while playing less than 16.0 minutes per contest. Kayla McBride is averaging 15.3 points per game, and Dearica Hamby averages 11.8 points per game coming off the bench.
The New York Liberty are attempting to avoid their 18th consecutive loss dating back to July 17 of last season. The WNBA record for consecutive losses is 20 set by the Tulsa Shock in 2011. Tina Charles is averaging a league-best 23.8 points per game, but she is making just 41.7 percent of her shots from the field. Kia Nurse (11.0 ppg) and rookie Asia Durr (10.0) are also averaging double figures in scoring for New York this year.
Liberty opponents are outscoring New York by an average of 7.5 points per game. They are also connecting on 37.9 percent of their attempts from beyond the arc, which is the second highest percentage in the league, and getting to the free throw line an average of 24.5 times per game—the top mark in the WNBA.
The Aces have won three straight over New York having swept the season series a year ago.