“Do or die, you have to win Game 2.” These were the very same words said by Las Vegas Aces coach Becky Hammon before Tuesday’s game. But yet, the words failed to drive the team towards glory. Though Jackie Young and A’ja Wilson led remarkably over 17 and 24 respectively, the efforts did not prove enough, thanks to Sabrina Ionescu and Jonquel Jones. They now truly stand in a do-or-die situation and the team’s 31-year-old old guard has made it clear what they need to focus on next.

In the post-game press conference, a reporter had asked Aces Chelsea Gray about her views on Sabrina Ionescu’s speed and sharpshooting abilities. The 3x WNBA champion initially praised the Liberty’s point guard but also mentioned that she was not the only problem why they lacked in the game.

“I think our help side wasn’t on point today as well and we were late coming into action and then it’s kind of a triple-down effect but when she’s (Sabrina Ionescu) coming off the screening you wanna try to get back to her on the three-point line and JJ hit a three on top of the key that was tough so. They have shooting around her, which is good. That’s what we are supposed to do. But we will figure something out and get better,” said Gray during the conference.

Though the Aces had a better hand at the 3-point percentage, they conceded 27 points. 9 of them came from Ionescu and they were right in setting the screen for her until the Liberty took advantage of it. As Kelsey Plum and Wilson focused on the 2020 no.1 draft pick when the Liberty already led 66-71, Ionescu cleanly passed the ball to Jones, who was in the clear, for a 26-foot three-point jumper the very next second.

The Aces never recovered, incurring an 84-88 loss. It also marked Ionescu’s third consecutive 20-point scoring performance, becoming only fourth in the franchise history to do that in the postseason. On the other hand, Jones marked her third-consecutive performance with a double-digit score.

Coach Becky Hammon has also spoken about the fast pace the New York Liberty has adapted for the offense and it is only becoming harder on the Aces defense. She says communication is the key in such an environment. But she also believes the team is getting distracted with their off-court ventures, terming them as ‘Freaking Celebrities‘.

As Game 3 looms, one thing is certain: the Aces’ ability to adapt to the three-point line assault and the Liberty’s impressive paced offense as a whole will determine whether they remain on course for a repeat championship. However, even though Liberty has won, they are not taking any chances.

The New York Liberty remains cautious after potential warning from Aces coach

Despite their impressive 2-0 lead over the Las Vegas Aces in the WNBA playoffs, the New York Liberty are still maintaining a level head. The Aces head coach added to the caution when she made it clear in a recent presser that they will be coming back this time with no mistakes.

In the post-game conference after Tuesday’s game, Hammon had made strong comments regarding her team. “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.

Fearing that there will be changes in the Aces’ strategies for the upcoming game, Liberty’s coach also stated that they are ready to face the challenges. “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 Sandy Brondello during a recent presser.

The Liberty’s offense has been firing on all cylinders, and their defense has improved significantly throughout the playoffs. However, the next game is going to be played at the home center of the Aces, the Michelob ULTRA Arena, on October 4. Only time will tell which team will be able to capitalize on their strategies perfectly.