Aces Beat Liberty Again: Jewell Loyd Sparks Stunning Fifth Straight Victory
The Las Vegas Aces have done it again. In a thrilling Wednesday night matchup, Aces beat Liberty again, overcoming a tough New York squad with an 83-77 victory. Powered by Jewell Loyd’s explosive 21 points off the bench including five deep three-pointers the Aces secured their fifth straight win and delivered a statement performance that could have postseason implications.
This win marked Las Vegas’ first regular-season triumph over New York since August 17, 2023, breaking a frustrating losing streak and proving that the reigning champions are heating up at the right time.
Jewell Loyd Shines in Key Role
Coming off the bench, Loyd was unstoppable, shooting with confidence and precision. Her 21 points came in just 25 minutes of action, and her five three-pointers tied her with Aces head coach Becky Hammon for third-most career games (26) with at least five made threes in WNBA history.
“Jewell came in and gave us exactly what we needed energy, scoring, and leadership,” Hammon said after the game. “She’s one of the best shooters in the league, and she showed that tonight.”
A’ja Wilson Dominates the Paint
While Loyd lit it up from outside, A’ja Wilson controlled the inside. The two-time MVP recorded 17 points and 16 rebounds for her 15th double-double of the season. Her relentless work on the glass was crucial, especially late in the game when the Aces grabbed three offensive rebounds in a single possession, leading to Wilson’s clutch free throws.
“She’s the anchor of this team,” said Chelsea Gray. “When A’ja’s locked in, we’re hard to beat.”
Key Performances from the Supporting Cast
Jackie Young contributed 15 points, including a pivotal four-point play in the third quarter that gave Las Vegas its first lead since the early minutes. Chelsea Gray added 13 points and dished out key assists to keep the offense flowing.
For New York, Emma Meesseman put up an impressive double-double with 24 points and 10 rebounds. Sabrina Ionescu added 18 points, while Jonquel Jones chipped in 11 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists. The Liberty were shorthanded, missing Breanna Stewart, Isabelle Harrison, and Nyara Sabally due to injuries.
Turning Point: Third Quarter Surge
The Aces beat Liberty again thanks to a momentum-shifting run late in the third quarter. Down by as many as seven, Las Vegas caught fire when Loyd and Young hit back-to-back threes. Young’s triple came with a foul, and she nailed the free throw for a rare four-point play, giving the Aces a 59-58 edge.
“That sequence lit a fire under us,” said Young. “We started believing that we could control the game.”
Defensive Stands Seal the Deal
The Liberty went ice cold in the fourth quarter, missing eight straight shots. While Meesseman’s hook shot briefly gave New York a 69-68 lead with just over five minutes remaining, the Aces’ defense clamped down.
Late in the game, Las Vegas showcased its grit by fighting for three offensive boards on one possession. That hustle resulted in Wilson going to the line, where she calmly sank both shots to extend the lead to 80-74.
The Aces scored 22 points in the fourth quarter, with an astonishing 15 coming from the free-throw line, highlighting their ability to close games under pressure.
Playoff Picture and Rivalry Context
This latest win not only extends the Aces’ streak to five but also reasserts their dominance in a rivalry that has grown heated in recent seasons. Last year, New York had Las Vegas’ number in the regular season, but the Aces’ recent surge suggests that momentum is shifting.
The victory moves Las Vegas to a 19-14 record, keeping them in strong contention for playoff positioning. Meanwhile, New York drops to 21-12, still among the top seeds but facing questions about their depth without key starters.
Why This Win Matters
For the Aces, beating the Liberty again isn’t just about the standings it’s about confidence. The Liberty have been one of the league’s toughest teams, and getting over that mental hurdle could be huge heading into the postseason.
Coach Hammon emphasized that the team’s balance was key: “When we have multiple players contributing like tonight, we’re tough to stop. We’ve got a lot of basketball left, but this was a step in the right direction.”
Looking Ahead
The Aces will look to extend their winning streak in their next matchup, while the Liberty will be eager to bounce back, especially if they can get some of their injured stars back in the lineup.
If these two teams meet in the playoffs, Wednesday night’s battle could be a preview of an epic series.
