The Las Vegas Aces are on track to win back-to-back titles after winning Game 1 of the WNBA Finals Sunday, defeating the New York Liberty, 99-82, at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas
THE reigning champions had a 22 lead after abandoning a slow first half to put on a show ahead of Sheryl Swoopes, LeBron James and Tom Brady.
Kelsey Plum and Jackie Young each recorded a career-high 26 points in the playoffs. Chelsea Gray had nine assists on her birthday.
“I have the best teammates in the world,” Plum said after the match on the ESPN broadcast, “so whatever I do to get open, Chelsea are going to find me. Jack was phenomenal tonight. It was just a great team victory.
The Aces are undefeated in the postseason and are the sixth team in WNBA history to win their first six playoff games.
Breanna Stewart led Liberty with 21 points and nine rebounds. Marine Johannès added 14 points coming off the bench, including four three-point baskets.
“I’m just a big fan, except when she’s playing us,” Aces head coach Becky Hammon said of Johannes after the game.
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Las Vegas pulled away in the second half after trailing 49-46 at halftime. They faced an eight-point deficit in the second quarter after Kayla Thornton made a three-pointer with one of Courtney Vandersloot’s six assists. The Aces went on a 9-0 run between the third and fourth quarters to take the lead.
“They took the first hit and now we have to respond,” Liberty coach Sandy Brondello said.
Highlights from Game 1 of the WNBA Finals
The Las Vegas Aces came alive in the second half, led by guards Kelsey Plum and Jackie Young, who each had 26 points.
Plum had nine points in the final five minutes of the second quarter to give his team some momentum going into the break.
For the New York Liberty, Marine Johannès had 14 points coming off the bench in the first half, including four three-point baskets.
A’ja Wilson scored the first points of the game and finished with 19 points, eight rebounds and three blocks.
Courtney Vandersloot had a historic day. His six assists allowed him to pass Lindsay Whalen for second in league history in playoff assists. His 10 points also gave him 500 career playoff points.
When will Game 2 of the WNBA Finals take place?
Game 2 of the WNBA Finals begins Wednesday at 9 p.m. ET at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas.
