GAME RECAP: Las Vegas Aces Drop Back-and-Forth Battle to New York, 87-78
Overview
In a thrilling face-off on July 8, 2025, the Las Vegas Aces (9-10) faced off against the New York Liberty (13-6) in Brooklyn, losing a tightly contested game 87-78. Despite a valiant effort that saw them tied with less than five minutes to go, the Aces were unable to secure the win. The standout for Las Vegas was Jackie Young, who contributed 19 points, but the team struggled to maintain their momentum as the game wore on.
Key Players in Action
The game was marked by an impressive scoring night for several players. In addition to Young’s 19 points, Dana Evans chipped in with 16, while Chelsea Gray and NaLyssa Smith each added 11. Jewell Loyd also made significant contributions with 10 points.
However, the Aces faced adversity when A’ja Wilson injured her right wrist late in the second quarter, forcing her exit at 2:22 and sidelining her for the remainder of the match. This injury was a major blow, as Wilson is a critical player for Las Vegas.
On the opposing side, Sabrina Ionescu was the star for New York, dropping a game-high 28 points. Her performance, particularly in the closing moments, played a crucial role in leading the Liberty to victory.
First Quarter Breakdown
The game commenced with a closely contested opening quarter, featuring three lead changes and two ties as both teams exchanged blows. Las Vegas struggled with their shooting, converting just 6 of 21 attempts (28.6%), while New York managed to shoot 42.1% from the field, making 8 of 19 attempts. The quarter ended with New York leading 19-16, thanks in part to Leonie Fiebich and Breanna Stewart, who scored 5 points each for the Liberty.
The Turning Point: Second Quarter
The second quarter saw the dynamic shift as the Aces found their rhythm, particularly with an early burst of scoring. After trailing 21-20, the Aces rallied with a 10-3 run, eventually tying the game at 40 points before halftime. This quarter marked a notable improvement in Las Vegas’ shooting, where they hit 55.6% (15 of 27), illustrating their offensive potential, particularly through contributions from Gray, Loyd, and Young, who each notched 6 points. The Aces took a 42-40 lead into halftime.
Third Quarter Highlights
The third quarter resumed with both teams maintaining their competitive edge. After briefly falling behind 42-42, the Aces jumped ahead with a 51-44 lead thanks to their sharpshooting. However, New York responded effectively, outscoring Las Vegas 12-3 to reclaim the lead at 56-54. The Aces kept it close, concluding the third with a slight 60-62 deficit. The quarter was characterized by efficient free-throw shooting, as the Aces made all five attempts from the line.
Final Minutes: Fourth Quarter Collapse
As the fourth quarter unfolded, the Aces held a narrow 72-70 lead with just under five minutes to play. Unfortunately for Las Vegas, they struggled to convert their opportunities, going 0 for 3 from the floor and turning the ball over three times during a decisive 10-0 run by the Liberty. This run resulted in New York securing an 80-72 lead with only 2:36 remaining. The Aces managed to score 6 points from the free-throw line, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Liberty’s late surge.
Game Statistics and Analysis
The Aces ended with a shooting percentage of 41.0%, netting 25 of 61 attempts and hitting only 7 of 26 from three-point range. In contrast, the Liberty converted 30 of 70 shots (42.9%) from the field and made 7 of 27 attempts from beyond the arc.
Free-throw efficiency played a significant role; the Aces capitalized on their chances, going 21 of 24 (87.5%), while New York netted 20 of 26 (76.9%). The game was rough, with Las Vegas scoring 18 points off 11 turnovers from the Liberty, but they also conceded 23 points from their own 16 turnovers.
On the boards, New York edged out the Aces 34 to 32 and outscored them 38-32 in the paint.
Notable Mentions and Stats
Chelsea Gray continued to close in on an impressive career milestone, as she now needs just two steals to become the fifth player in WNBA history to reach several career achievements, including 4,000 points and 1,500 assists.
A’ja Wilson’s unfortunate injury interrupted her remarkable streak of 66 consecutive games scoring in double figures, ending the longest active streak in the league.
Meanwhile, Jewell Loyd surpassed the 3,000-point milestone for her career, marking her place among the top scorers in franchise history.
Upcoming Challenges
The Aces are scheduled to complete their five-game road trip with a matchup against the Washington Mystics on July 10. This game will serve as a crucial opportunity for the Aces to regroup and bounce back after this tough loss, especially as they aim to find their footing in a competitive league. The matchup will be broadcast on Prime Video and Vegas 34, beginning at 4:30 p.m. PT.
Fans of the Aces will be eager to see how the team responds and whether they can rally back in a league filled with potential and excitement.