Free vs Aces Preview: Stewart Battles Wilson in a Clash of the League’s Top Scorers

On September 30 at 3 AM, Game 1 of the WNBA Semifinals will take place with the New York Liberty hosting the Las Vegas Aces. These teams have met in consecutive playoffs, with the Aces winning the Finals last season by a score of 3-1. In this regular season, the Liberty performed better with a record of 32 wins and 8 losses, placing them first in the league. In the first round of the playoffs, the Liberty easily eliminated the Dream with a 2-0 sweep. The Aces had a record of 27 wins and 13 losses, ranking only fourth, but their form improved towards the end of the season, and they also swept the Storm 2-0 in the first round of the playoffs. Both teams are the top two in offensive firepower across the league, with the Aces averaging 86.4 points per game, leading the league, while the Liberty average 85.6 points, ranking second. However, the Liberty’s defense is clearly better, allowing an average of only 76.5 points per game, ranking third in the league, whereas the Aces allow an average of 80.9 points, ranking sixth. The Liberty’s net positive of 9.2 points per game is also the best in the league. Both teams boast a super-luxury lineup, with almost all starters being All-Star players. For the Liberty, Stewart is the core player, averaging 20.4 points, 8.5 rebounds, 1.7 steals, and 1.3 blocks per game. However, in the two playoff games, Stewart was somewhat subdued, averaging only 16.5 points and not in his best form. The second-leading scorer, Ionescu, averaged 18.2 points and 6.2 assists in the regular season and performed even better in the playoffs, especially in the first-round Game 2 where Ionescu scored a career-high 36 points and 9 assists, showing excellent form. Inside player Jones averages 14.2 points and 9 rebounds, serving as a key defensive player, while Lenney also averages double-digit scoring. Phillipi has become a starter in the playoffs, scoring 30 points in two games to be the biggest surprise. Veteran Vandersloot brings experience, and Sabali and Sutton also possess certain strengths, making the Liberty’s overall strength very strong. The Aces’ core is Wilson, who averages 26.9 points, 11.9 rebounds, 1.8 steals, and 2.6 blocks per game, demonstrating immense dominance. He recently won the regular-season MVP, and his matchup against Stewart is one of the highlights of this series. Plum, Jackie Young, and Chelsea Gray are also members of the US women’s national basketball team. Gray’s form improved significantly in the playoffs, scoring 28 points and providing 16 assists in two games. Although Plum and Jackie Young’s performance can be inconsistent, there is no doubt about their abilities, with Plum scoring 29 points in the second game after just 2 points in the first. Veteran Hayes also demonstrated a high level, scoring 29 points in the two games against the Storm and becoming a surprise player. In comparison, the Aces rely mainly on their five starting players for offense, with bench players generally being less impactful. In three regular-season meetings this season, the Liberty swept the Aces, winning by margins of 12, 8, and 4 points, which seems to indicate a clear advantage. However, in the playoffs, as defending champions, the Aces have richer playoff experience, making it uncertain who will ultimately come out on top in this series.

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