The New York Liberty is not backing down this time around. Their playoff displays have been nothing short of spectacular, boasting an average of 88.3 points per game with a field goal percentage of 45.6. The dynamic duo of Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu has been unstoppable. Yet, even as the confetti settles from their recent victory over the Aces (88-84), coach Sandy Brondello’s cautionary tone echoes through the corridors of Barclays Center.

In her postgame press conference after Wednesday’s win, Brondello, who was joined by the players Jonquel Jones and Sabrina Ionescu, was asked by a reporter: how she felt about Vegas’ performance in the second quarter of the game. The 56-year-old was quick to answer this. “There was a great second quarter we got up by six at half-time and obviously you know you saw the game it was a battle in the second half but you know that’s the growth that we have this year. We can face so many different momentum changes and we can stay get back to ‘Okay what do we need to do?’ Let’s just focus on one player at a time and make that the best possession,” said Brondello during the press conference.

The latest win was Brondello’s 35th playoff win as a coach as she passed Mike Thibault to have the third-most coaching wins in WNBA postseason history. Then, after such an achievement, why does Brondello think that the Aces will come strong? It is due to the comments made by Becky Hammon in the recent presser. Although, the 47-year-old had strictly stated to her players that winning is necessary by saying, “Do or die, you have to win Game 2,” quite the opposite happened.

Moreover, in a rare video, which has been circulating on X, Hammon can be seen shouting at the players and later she justified her rage in the post-game conference. According to her, the Aces couldn’t perform well because they were all distracted by being “freaking celebrities“. However, even though she called her players out, she stated a crucial message, which has resulted in Brondello taking extra precautions for future games. “At the end of the day, we have neither lost, or won a championship. Nothing has been won tonight… let there be no doubt we’re in for a war, an uphill one,” said Hammon during the conference.

As these basketball powerhouses prepare to clash again, one thing is certain: Sandy Brondello’s Liberty isn’t taking anything for granted. In the high-stakes world of playoff basketball, respecting your opponent while believing in your own strength might just be the perfect formula for success. However, game 3 is going to be an important one for both teams.

Why game 3 is important for Las Vegas and New York

The Las Vegas Aces’s game 3 against the New York Liberty will be a pivotal matchup in their playoffs. After a disappointing loss in game 2, the Aces are on the verge of elimination. So a victory in game 3 is important to keep their championship hopes alive. On the other hand, if the Liberty wins the next game they will be moving to the finals for a second consecutive year.

However, it’s not all sunny for Brondello’s team. They will be moving to Las Vegas to play game 3 and game 4 at the Michelob ULTRA Arena. The energy and support of the home crowd could be a significant advantage for the Aces. If they can capitalize on their home-court advantage and secure a win in Game 3, they will be in a much better position to force a good Game 4.

In game 1 of the playoffs, even after getting 24 and 21 points from Kelsey Plum and A’ja Wilson, respectively, the Aces were still beaten by the Liberty (87-77). Only time will tell if Hammon will be able to use her strategies perfectly, but it can be speculated that the upcoming games will be thrilling for both the team and the audience.

Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.