GAME RECAP: Las Vegas Aces Secure Hard-Fought 83-77 Win Against New York Liberty
Thu, Aug 14, 2025, 5:26 AM
LAS VEGAS (Aug. 13, 2025)—In a tightly contested match featuring 13 lead changes and 9 ties, the Las Vegas Aces (19-14) triumphed over the New York Liberty (21-12) with an 83-77 victory at Michelob ULTRA Arena. Jewell Loyd led the Aces off the bench with 21 points, hitting 5 out of 9 from beyond the arc. A’ja Wilson contributed 17 points and 16 rebounds, while Jackie Young and Chelsea Gray added 15 and 13 points, respectively.
Emma Meesseman was New York’s standout performer, finishing with 24 points and 10 rebounds.
Box Score | Photos | Highlights
Quarter Breakdown
The Aces began strong, outscoring the Liberty 20-24 in the first quarter. Despite taking an early lead, Las Vegas was caught at 12-12, but Loyd’s jumper helped regain the edge. New York surged ahead with a 3-pointer to close the quarter.
In the second quarter, Las Vegas briefly led with a 30-26 score, but New York responded with a 10-3 run, ending the half narrowly ahead at 43-40. Both teams struggled with shooting, hitting only 47.1% of attempts.
The third quarter saw New York pulling ahead by 7 at one point; however, the Aces rallied to take a 59-58 lead after scoring 7 consecutive points. The quarter finished tightly at 63-61 in favor of the Liberty, with Loyd topping the Aces with 9 points in the period.
Final Quarter Drama
The last quarter featured back-and-forth scoring until a key 3-point play by Sabrina Ionescu tied it at 72. Shortly after, NaLyssa Smith put the Aces ahead for good with two free throws, despite both teams struggling to shoot efficiently. The Aces secured victory by making 15 of 18 from the foul line, while New York managed just 5 of 5.
Key Stats
The Aces finished shooting 25 of 65 (.385) overall and 10 of 29 (.345) from three, while the Liberty shot 28 of 64 (.438). Las Vegas also excelled on rebounds, dominating 39-30, and capitalizing on New York’s turnovers for 17 points.
Game Notes
Wilson’s perfect 11-for-11 from the line marks her eighth career game with no misses on 10 or more attempts, tying her for fourth all-time in WNBA history. Young’s 165th career win is the most in league history for a player under 28. Additionally, the Aces celebrated their 42nd consecutive home sellout, with 10,417 fans in attendance.
Looking Ahead
The Aces will face the Phoenix Mercury (19-12) next on Friday, Aug. 15, at PHX Arena. The teams are currently tied 1-1 in their season series, with Las Vegas having won the latest matchup on June 29. The game will be broadcasted nationally on ION.
