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NEW YORK, NY – JULY 12: Kelsey Plum #10 of the Las Vegas Aces reacts against the New York Liberty in the first half at Barclays Center on July 12, 2022 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
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NEW YORK, NY – JULY 12: Kelsey Plum #10 of the Las Vegas Aces reacts against the New York Liberty in the first half at Barclays Center on July 12, 2022 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
The stage is set for a thrilling rematch of last year’s Finals as the Las Vegas Aces gear up to face the New York Liberty. With a three-peat in their sights, A’ja Wilson & Co. know they’ll have to get past the team that handed them three straight losses in the regular season. While that 0-3 record is already a point of concern, Aces guard Kelsey Plum brought up another critical issue they’ll need to fix if they want to outclass the Liberty.
Wilson and Plum had an interaction with the media where they answered multiple questions ahead of Game 1 on Sunday. However, when Kelsey Plum was asked about the Aces picking up perfect momentum at the right time, she rather chose to view the picture wearing a critical lens as she pointed out the key areas that need improvement if they hope to make it to the Finals.
“I think we have found our kind of our stride, and to be honest I don’t still feel like we’ve had a game where we’ve all been clicking on all fours. I think it’s been maybe a couple people here or there, maybe it’s been the bench – maybe it’s been – and maybe a couple other people. But in totality, I don’t think we’ve had one of those games that we’ve all been clicking at the same time offensively and defensively through four quarters,” mentioned the Aces second-leading scorer.
Plum’s recent comments come with some merit, and the stats back her up. Interestingly, the Aces have been the best team in terms of scoring, averaging 86.4 PPG in the regular season. In their final regular-season matchup against the Liberty, the absence of A’ja Wilson was keenly felt. Plum was the only player to score more than 15 points, but it wasn’t enough, as the Aces fell short, losing 71-75.
Moreover, as Plum pointed out the team’s inconsistency through all the quarters, showed in Game 1 of the first round. The Aces struggled right out of the gate, putting up just 9 points in the entire first quarter. Even the 30-year-old guard had an off night, managing only 2 points. While Wilson finished strong with 21 points, she had a slow start as well, with just 4 points by halftime.
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NEW YORK, NY – JULY 14: A’ja Wilson #22 of the Las Vegas Aces celebrates with Kelsey Plum #10 against the New York Liberty at Barclays Center on July 14, 2022 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The Las Vegas Aces defeated the New York Liberty 108-74. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
If the Aces want to remain serious contenders, shaking off those early-game slumps is crucial. But hopes are high that they can finally overcome their struggles against the Liberty, especially with Becky Hammon’s determined attitude shining through during recent practices.
Las Vegas Aces ready after a great practice session under Becky Hammon’s charge
Before touching down in the heart of Gotham, A’ja Wilson and the Aces were busy fine-tuning their game, getting ready to face the one team that handed them a regular-season sweep. Reports suggest that head coach Becky Hammon’s Thursday practice ran almost an hour over schedule.
The Aces coach shared her team’s determination to outplay Sandy Brondello’s squad, saying, “We got their playbook. They got our playbook. At a certain point, it’s just about who executes better for the 40 minutes? Who wants it more? Who’s more focused? So, we want that to be us.” According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, the Aces didn’t just soak up New York’s atmosphere during practice—they embraced the Liberty’s style of play to prep for the intensity of facing Breanna Stewart and her crew.
But before they step onto the court today, there are a couple of key things they need to keep in mind. First, they need to step up their rebounding game, as Stewart herself revealed that the Liberty’s main strategy revolves around dominating the boards. On top of that, the Aces will have to find a way to limit Jonquel Jones’ presence in the paint, especially since she’s been the top scorer in their past matchups.
To pull off a win, there’s no denying the Aces have a lot riding on multiple factors. But, as star player Kelsey Plum points out, the key to victory is firing on all cylinders and staying tough throughout all four quarters. “I think that we definitely gonna have our hands full,” Plum concluded, eager to carry the momentum from their last game into today’s showdown at Barclays Center.
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Debate
Can Kelsey Plum's tough love push the Aces to dominate the Liberty in the playoffs?