Aces edge Liberty 83-77 as Jewell Loyd’s hot hand fuels fifth straight win

The Las Vegas Aces extended their winning streak to five games on Wednesday, defeating the New York Liberty 83-77 in a gritty showdown at Michelob ULTRA Arena. The victory marked Las Vegas’ first regular-season win over New York since August 17, 2023.

Jewell Loyd came off the bench to deliver a game-high 21 points, knocking down five three-pointers for the 26th time in her career, tying her head coach Becky Hammon for the third-most such games in WNBA history.

A’ja Wilson powered the Aces with 17 points and 16 rebounds, recording her 15th double-double of the season. Jackie Young chipped in 15 points, including a four-point play late in the third quarter that gave Las Vegas its first lead since the opening half. Chelsea Gray added 13 points as the Aces improved to 19-14.

Momentum Shifts and Late Surge

Las Vegas trailed for most of the night before Loyd and Young drilled back-to-back threes late in the third quarter. Young’s and-one conversion put the Aces ahead 59-58 heading into the final stretch.

New York (21-12) went cold in the fourth quarter, missing eight straight shots before Emma Meesseman’s hook put them back in front 69-68 with 5:26 remaining. But the Aces dominated the boards late, with a key sequence of three offensive rebounds leading to two Wilson free throws that extended the lead to 80-74.

Las Vegas closed it out from the stripe, scoring 15 of their 22 fourth-quarter points at the free-throw line.

Liberty’s Short-Handed Effort

Meesseman led the Liberty with 24 points and 10 rebounds, while Sabrina Ionescu scored 18. Jonquel Jones finished with 11 points, seven rebounds, and five assists. Breanna Stewart (knee), Isabelle Harrison (concussion), and Nyara Sabally (knee) were sidelined.

Meesseman and Ionescu combined for all 14 of New York’s points in the final quarter, but it wasn’t enough to stop the defending champions from sealing another statement win.