Las Vegas Aces’ coach Becky Hammon has been anticipating a game where all of her guards perform at their best. In 2023, Chelsea Gray, Jackie Young, and Kelsey Plum played exceptionally well, outshining their counterparts when the perimeter trio convincingly outplayed its New York Liberty counterparts during the WNBA Finals series. A year later, despite the addition of talented guard Tiffany Hayes, the Aces have struggled to consistently have all their guards perform well in the same game.
In the WNBA semifinals series against the Liberty, if Young scored well, Plum had an off night, like in Game 2 when Young scored 17 points and Plum 6. However, there was a reversal in Game 3 where the Ace’s guards finally displayed the performances Hammon had awaited. Four players scored double digits in the 95-81 victory over the Liberty ensuring they lived to play another day for a chance at a three-peat championship.
The improvement began with the guards on defense. Liberty’s star Sabrina Ionescu had dominated the Aces in the series, cutting through their defense with ease and facilitating scoring for her teammates. Hammon’s solution was simplifying the defense scheme which proved successful as Ionescu was repeatedly trapped far from the basket and restricted to her lowest-scoring playoff output of her career – four points.
Without Ionescu leading the way, the Liberty resorted to isolation play, straying from their usual play that won them the best league record in the regular season. On the other side, the Aces found their form and rhythm owing to their defense. “We always say our defense drives our offense,” stated Hayes.
The Aces guard group, particularly Young who outscored Ionescu, Leonie Fiebich, and Betnijah Laney-Hamilton combined with 24 points, outshone during a 16-0 run in the third quarter. They maintained this momentum for a 14-point victory that surpassed the margin indicated. The Aces’ defense set the tone, raising their level with a three-peat in sight.
The Ace’s guard quartet were finally able to shine, proving that their advantage had to be found in the backcourt since the Liberty boasts two frontcourt MVPs. The Aces remain hopeful in pursuit of a third championship, confirming Hammon’s faith that her team, when pressured, produces their best performances. “We’re the Aces,” Hammon stated. “We’re not going to fold.”
