Ace vs Liberty Preview: Wilson vs Stewart, Aces Seek Revenge Against the Liberty

On August 18 at 4 AM, the WNBA regular season continues with the Las Vegas Aces hosting the New York Liberty.

The Las Vegas Aces, as defending champions, did not start this season very strongly, currently holding a record of 16 wins and 8 losses, placing them fifth in the league. However, the team’s recent momentum has been good, losing only two games out of ten before the Olympics, only to the Sparks and the Sky. With Gray returning and gradually finding her rhythm, the team’s momentum is recovering. Even entering the playoffs as the fifth seed, they are still the favorites for the championship due to their powerful lineup.

The core player of the Aaces is A’ja Wilson, who ranks first with a rating of 99 in 2K25. This season, Wilson averages 27 points, 12 rebounds, and 2.9 blocks per game, truly making her an unparalleled presence. Alongside her are Jackie Young, Kelsey Plum, and Gray, all of whom can contribute significantly. Four players from the Aces were included in the U.S. Women’s Basketball roster: Wilson, Young, Plum, and Gray. After a brief rest, they have returned to competition, which may affect their stamina somewhat.

The New York Liberty’s performance this season has been very strong, consistently occupying a top position, currently with a record of 22 wins and 4 losses, placing them first in the league. The Liberty’s recent momentum has also been hot, this being their second game since returning from the Olympics. They won their first match 103-68 against the Sparks, demonstrating fiery momentum. Against the Sparks, the Liberty didn’t give their opponents much of a chance, taking control early on. Stewart scored 27 points, while Ionescu got 18 points, with the team hitting 15 three-pointers, continuing their momentum from before the Olympics. The team has now won five consecutive games.

This season, the Liberty is a balanced team on both offense and defense, averaging 86 points per game while allowing opponents only 77 points. The matchup against the Aces will be an offensive battle, but the Liberty still has some initiative on defense. The showdown between the star players of both teams will determine the direction of the game. However, the Liberty won the first encounter between the two teams, giving them some psychological advantage. Additionally, the three-point shootout will be crucial, as both teams excel at shooting, depending on who can better capitalize on their opportunities.

This matchup against the Liberty is a clash of the titans, with the focus on the duel between the U.S. Olympic Women’s Basketball frontcourt combination of Wilson and Stewart. This is the second meeting between the two teams this season, with the Liberty winning the first matchup 90-82, where Jones scored 34 points, Stewart had 14 points and 12 rebounds, while Wilson contributed 21 points and 9 rebounds.

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