LAS VEGAS (June 15, 2024)—In the first match-up between the Las Vegas Aces (6-6) and the New York Liberty (12-2) since the 2023 WNBA Finals, the Aces came up short, 90-82, on Saturday afternoon at Michelob ULTRA Arena. Kelsey Plum led four Aces in double-figure scoring 22, A’ja Wilson had 21 points, Alysha Clark scored 13 and Jackie Young finished with 10. Kiah Stokes grabbed a season-high and game-high tying 12 rebounds.
Jonquel Jones led all scorers with 34 points on 12 of 16 shooting for the Liberty.
Box Score | Highlights | Photo Gallery
First Quarter Highlights (New York 28, Las Vegas 20)
The Aces scored the first 6 points of the game, but after three lead changes New York went up 11-9 and stayed ahead the remainder of the period. The Liberty, who were 10 of 18 from the field, hit 7 of 8 (.875) from 3-point range, while the Aces made 9 of 19 (.474) of their attempts and just 2 of 9 (.222) from distance. Jones paced the Lib with 11 points and Clark had 7 for the Aces.
Second Quarter Highlights (New York 45, Las Vegas 43)
Plum and Sydney Colson scored 5 apiece in a 10-2 run that evened the score at 30-all. The Liberty reclaimed the lead and went up 39-35 before an and-1 and a 3-pointer from Plum moved the Aces in front 41-39. New York capped the first half on a 6-2 spurt. The Aces made 47.1% of their field goal attempts, including 3 of 9 from behind the arc, while the Liberty cooled to 41.2% from the floor and 14.3% of their 3s. Plum finished with 14 points and Breanna Stewart led NY with 8.
Third Quarter Highlights (New York 67, Las Vegas 60)
An Aces 10-2 run over the first 3:27 of the second half put Las Vegas back on top by 6, but that was quickly followed by a 14-0 Liberty 14-0 run that put New York up for good. The Aces shot 35.3% from the field and 2 of 7 from 3-point range, while the Liberty connected on half of their 16 field goal attempts, but made just 1 of 7 from afar. The Liberty outscored the Aces 14-6 in the paint. Wilson scored 9 points and Jones had 8 for New York.
Fourth Quarter Highlights (New York 90, Las Vegas 82)
The Aces got no closer than 8 points in the final frame, while the Liberty were up by as many as 18. Plum scored 6 points for the Aces and Jones had 9 for the Liberty. The Aces gave up 7 points on their 3 turnovers, while the Liberty did not turn the ball over in the 4th.
KEY STATS
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The Aces shot 44.9% on the game, including 32.4% from 3-point (11-34 3pt FGs), while the Liberty made 48.5% of their attempts and 42.9% (12-28 3pt FGs) from distance.
The Liberty edged the Aces on the glass, 37-31.
The Liberty outscored the Aces 12-4 on the fast break.
The Aces attempted a season-low 11 free throws (9-11 FTs) and the Liberty went 12 of 16 from the charity stripe.
New York also received double-digit efforts from Sabrina Ionescu (15 points), Stewart (14 points, 12 rebounds) and Betnijah Laney-Hamilton (12 points).
GAME NOTES
Wilson has scored at least 20 points in 17 straight regular season games which extended her WNBA record.
Plum’s 3 assists (843) moved her into the No. 2 spot in franchise history, passing Danielle Robinson (841). Becky Hammon is No. 1 with 1,133.
Stokes’ 12 rebounds were a season high.
The Aces were without the services of Kierstan Bell (lower right leg injury).
The Aces welcomed 10,424 fans to Michelob ULTRA Arena, which established a new attendance record on their home court.
NEXT UP
Las Vegas remains at home for a Wednesday, June 19, meeting with the Seattle Storm (9-4). Tip on the Silver State Sports & Entertainment Network is slated for 7 pm PT.