Aces surge past Liberty with dominant fourth quarter performance
The Las Vegas Aces extended their winning streak to five games Wednesday night at Michelob Ultra Arena, defeating the New York Liberty 83-77 in front of 10,417 enthusiastic fans. The victory marked the Aces’ first regular-season win against their East Coast rivals since August 17, 2023, snapping a frustrating drought against the Liberty.
Loyd’s shooting sparks comeback victory
Jewell Loyd provided the offensive firepower Las Vegas needed, pouring in 21 points off the bench while connecting on five three-pointers. The performance marked Loyd’s 26th career game with at least five made threes, tying her with head coach Becky Hammon for third place in WNBA history.
A’ja Wilson battled through a tough shooting night, making just 3 of 14 field goal attempts, but compensated with a perfect 11-for-11 performance from the free-throw line. The star center finished with 17 points and dominated the glass with 16 rebounds, including six offensive boards, recording her 15th double-double of the season.
Fourth quarter free throws seal the deal
The game’s decisive moment came in the final period when Las Vegas showcased their determination on the offensive glass. The Aces secured three consecutive offensive rebounds on a single possession late in the fourth quarter, culminating in two crucial free throws by Wilson that extended their lead to 80-74.
The Aces’ free-throw shooting proved to be the difference maker, as they scored 15 of their 22 fourth-quarter points from the charity stripe. Meanwhile, New York struggled offensively when it mattered most, missing eight consecutive shots during a critical stretch in the fourth quarter.
Jackie Young contributed 15 points, including a dramatic four-point play late in the third quarter that gave Las Vegas its first lead since early in the second quarter. Chelsea Gray added 13 points to round out the balanced scoring attack.
Liberty’s undermanned effort falls short
Emma Meesseman led New York with an impressive 24 points and 10 rebounds, while Sabrina Ionescu chipped in 18 points. The Liberty played without several key players, including Breanna Stewart (knee), Isabelle Harrison (concussion), and Nyara Sabally (knee), which ultimately proved too much to overcome.
The victory improved Las Vegas to 19-14 on the season, moving them into fifth place in the competitive WNBA standings. With seven wins in their last eight games, the Aces appear to be hitting their stride at the perfect time as they continue their push toward the playoffs.
Image Sources: https://lasvegassun.com/news/2025/aug/13/las-vegas-aces-beat-liberty-83-77-for-fifth-straig/
Category: Sports
Subcategory: Basketball
Date: 08/14/2025
