The Las Vegas Aces made an emphatic statement in their first showdown against the New York Liberty, the other heralded “superteam” of the WNBA, in a decisive 98-81 victory. The defending champion Aces extended their victory streak to seven games in this match, underlining their league domination.
A Masterclass Performance
The Las Vegas Aces, led by a strong performance from Kelsey Plum, who dropped 18 points and dished out eight assists, solidified their standing at the top of the WNBA. With every starter contributing double-digit points and a commendable team display of only seven turnovers, the Aces lived up to their superteam billing.
Las Vegas Coach Becky Hammon praised the team’s commitment and shared success, stating, “When the ball gets popping and everybody is happy with their teammate’s success, I think that is contagious.”
The Liberty, on the other hand, are still adjusting and looking for answers, despite having former MVPs Jonquel Jones and Breanna Stewart in their squad, as well as star guard Courtney Vandersloot. Sandy Brondello, Liberty’s coach, acknowledged the difficulty of facing the Aces and emphasised the importance of a more disruptive defence in the future.
Superteams: A Controversial Concept, a Promising Showdown
Though the term “superteam” stirs mixed feelings among the teams and the league, there’s no denying it sparked a buzz for this particular matchup. Candace Parker, a veteran player who joined the Aces in the offseason after winning two MVP awards, believes these high-profile games enhance the WNBA and draw attention to the league.
However, despite the attention around the superteam label, both teams are keen to stress their focus on consistent performance. “We approach every game the same way, and we play the same way. We’re going to go out there and compete,” insisted Kelsey Plum of the Aces.
The Road Ahead
While this victory against the Liberty underscores the Aces’ power, they are aware of the challenges ahead. Their next game is against the Connecticut Sun, who are the only team to have defeated them this season. If they can overcome this obstacle, the Aces will be firmly established as the team to beat in the league.
Liberty, on the other hand, needs to reflect and correct some flaws. Despite the loss, Jonquel Jones insists that it was a learning experience. “Ultimately, we have the season to get better and learn from this,” she explained.
Despite all of the hype surrounding these so-called “superteams,” both the Aces and the Liberty understand that championships aren’t won on paper. The season is still in its early stages, and there is still plenty more basketball to be played. The real test will be keeping their competitive edge and growing as the season unfolds.
