The Las Vegas Aces finally broke their regular-season curse against the New York Liberty, pulling off an 83-77 home victory at Michelob ULTRA Arena on Wednesday night. It was their first regular-season win over New York since August 17, 2023, and it couldn’t have come at a more crucial time in the playoff race.
Jewell Loyd’s Firepower Off the Bench
Jewell Loyd was the spark Las Vegas needed, coming off the bench to drop 21 points and knock down five three-pointers. With that performance, Loyd tied her coach, Becky Hammon, for the third-most games in WNBA history (26) with five or more made threes. The timing was perfect-every shot felt like a dagger to New York’s hopes.
A’ja Wilson’s MVP Drive Continues
Superstar A’ja Wilson put up 17 points and 16 rebounds, marking her 15th double-double of the season. While the numbers might not have been her most explosive, her presence inside dominated the paint and created crucial second-chance opportunities. Wilson’s leadership has the Aces looking like serious contenders again, especially as they ride a 6–1 record over their last seven games.
Liberty Fight Through Injuries
The Liberty weren’t at full strength, missing Breanna Stewart, Nyara Sabally, and Isabelle Harrison. Still, Emma Meesseman delivered a huge performance with 24 points and 10 rebounds, while Sabrina Ionescu added 18 points. Jonquel Jones chipped in 11 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists, proving that New York still has plenty of fight despite the short rotation.
Free-Throw Disparity Seals the Deal
The game was tight until the final minutes, but the free-throw line made the difference. Las Vegas took 18 free throws in the last eight minutes, swinging momentum firmly in their favor. That late surge at the stripe left the Liberty chasing the game and ultimately unable to close the gap.
Season Series and Playoff Implications
This was the third and final regular-season meeting between the rivals, with New York taking the first two earlier this year. The Aces’ win not only salvaged pride but also provided a psychological boost heading into the postseason. With Wilson in MVP form and Loyd heating up at the right time, Las Vegas is peaking exactly when it matters most.
Meanwhile, the Liberty’s resilience without key stars should give them confidence-once healthy, they will be one of the most dangerous teams in the league.
SportSnip Analysis:
This game was more than just a regular-season win-it was a statement. The Aces showed they can match the Liberty’s physicality and mental toughness, even when New York pushes them deep into the fourth quarter. If these teams meet again in the playoffs, expect fireworks… and probably a few more late-game free-throw battles.