Liberty Defeat Aces, Viewership Spikes the Most in Five Years

Las Vegas Aces vs. New York Liberty | August 28, 2023

On Monday, August 28, the New York Liberty defeated the Las Vegas Aces 94-85 in front of a record-sellout crowd of 11,615. The brewing rivalry had a significant impact on viewership, making the matchup the most-watched regular season game in five years.

A day before the Commissioner’s Cup, Aces guard Chelsea Gray reiterated she didn’t feel the Aces and the Liberty were rivals. “You, saying it’s a rivalry now, we’ve only played each other, twice, and not in a playoff matchup, ” Gray told reporters. “When you want to speak about rivalries, I think that it’s longer stages for that.”

Monday’s game draws recent record viewership and attendance at the Barclays.

Since that statement, New York defeated Las Vegas in the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup and won the regular season series 3-2. On top of that, the Liberty and Aces remain two of the top-seeded teams in the league. On Monday night, the two clubs matched up for the fifth and final encounter of the regular season.

With Sandy Brondello‘s squad taking the victory, both sides performed in front of a record-sellout crowd of 11,615 at the Barclay’s Center. According to ESPN, Monday’s game was the “most-watched WNBA Regular Season game on ESPN2 in five years.”

With that said, the viewership peaked at roughly 357,000 viewers and averaged around 328,000 (ESPN).

Prior to tip-off, Liberty star Breanna Stewart emphasized the importance of home games and fans. “I can’t believe it’s our third home game this month,” Stewart told the media. “It will be nice to be back in front of our fans.”

At the post-game press conference, Liberty star Sabrina Ionescu reflected on the record attendance, and how impactful the fans have been on the team. ” They’ve [the fans] been everything all season long. To be with this team for the last couple of years, and be able to see the growth of the crowd every single year — it’s just progressed in the right direction, ” said Ionescu.

Sellout crowd at the Barclays

For the Liberty, it’s their second game where they’ve had sellout crowds at home against the Aces. In their second meeting, the two teams played in front of a crowd of 11,418 fans in Brooklyn.

The WNBA’s growing popularity has contributed to increased attendance of games, along with viewership. According to the NBA, by the All-Star break, WNBA Merchandise sales have increased by 78 percent, and overall viewership is up 67 percent from 2022.

“For us to come into this game knowing we were going to have a sellout— it makes us want to play that much for them. When we go on those runs, the crowd erupts, the building’s electric, and it just fires us up.”

Monday's Aces-Liberty game delivered impressive viewership

The most-watched on ESPN2 in five years #WNBA pic.twitter.com/7khk9fFGKr
— ESPN PR (@ESPNPR) August 30, 2023

Based off those numbers, it’s intriguing if Gray would have a different perspective regarding the possible rivalry. Although these organizations haven’t met in the playoffs, they have three elements in common; talent, the desire to win, and two exceptional coaches.

At 28-7, New York remains a game and a half back of Las Vegas for the No. 1 seed in the WNBA. The Liberty are loaded with talent and hold a league-best .824-win percentage since the all-star break. Prior to the game, Becky Hammon’s squad [the Aces] were coming off a 78-62 loss against the Mystics, and a grueling road stretch.

Even with the triumph, Las Vegas leads the league in net rating, and in both defensive and offensive ratings. Both New York and Vegas hold the best win percentages in the league and have two of the most prolific offenses. Over four head-to-head matchups, excluding the Commissioners Cup, New York has an overall point differential of +17.

A growing rivalry

Although both teams have never faced each other in the postseason, it certainly seems like a brewing matchup between both teams. Liberty guard, Sabrina Ionescu wasn’t wrong about the electric crowd at the Barclays. Despite being down early on, New York went on a 20-8 run starting in the beginning quarter and commanded a 22-19 lead by the end of the first.

Regardless of the Aces’ stellar defense comprised of a three-guard lineup, Ionescu broke down their defensive scheme. With a few driving layups, complimented by three-pointers, Sabrina showed no hesitation. In fact, with 8.9 seconds left to go in the first half, Ionescu utilized Thorton’s screen and drained a long three in front of Stokes.

After the Aces’ loss to the Mystics, Hammon stated that “the Aces haven’t found time to practice throughout their hectic schedule.” (Danny Webster, Las Vegas Sun). Ionescu, well rested, assuredly took advantage of the opposition’s demanding road schedule. Through the first quarter, the Oregon alum had 12 points, on 66.7 percent three-point shooting.

By the end of regulation, Ionescu finished with 25 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, and multiple steals. Although Breanna Stewart’s shots weren’t falling, and was held to 6 points, the Liberty prevailed in the first half.

Jonquel Jones acquired three fouls by the second quarter and was limited to 18 total minutes. By halftime, New York commanded a 47-35 lead, in which they outscored Vegas, 25-16 in the second quarter.

For the Aces, All-Star A’ja Wilson had a tough matchup with Stewart, although she scored 15 points in the first half.

Things got heated and words were exchanged

Sabrina Ionescu’s success against the Aces didn’t come without drama. Words were exchanged after a foul occurred, followed by a flagrant foul on Jonquel Jones. With Kayla Thornton thrown in the middle, Chelsey Gray, of the Aces, was visibly upset. The physical play of Chelsea Gray and Sabrina Ionescu did not go unnoticed. In fact, on multiple occasions, both expressed frustration on no-foul calls.

By the end of the fourth quarter, the Aces went on a 10-2 run, in which Jackie Young finished with 24 points, and Chelsey Gray with 16. With the Liberty playing tight defense and switches on the perimeter, it opened several mid-range shots for A’ja Wilson, who finished with 23 points.

The Liberty outshined the Aces

Despite a lack of production from Jonquel Jones and Breanna Stewart in the first half, the Liberty’s defense shined, and Sandy Brondello relied on her depth. Followed by 17 points, Betnijah Laney played strong defense, especially on Chelsey Gray. Ultimately, New York beat them on the boards 43-31 and led with dominance in the paint.

Overall, their forced turnovers turned into 17 fast break points for New York. By the end of regulation, New York finished the night shooting 30.3 percent from downtown, and 45.3 percent from the field.

As far as their control in the paint, Sabrina Ionescu commented on what adjustments she made to break down the opposition. “Now I’m just going in a lot more strongly, determined to get to the basket. Understanding if I can apply pressure and get into the paint, it opens up the floor for everyone.”

For the Liberty, Laney, Stewart, Ionescu, and Vandersloot finished with points in double figures. Vandersloot finished with her 31st career game with 10 assists and 15 points, which is the most in history. For the floor general, No. 22 was able to find her teammates all night, in addition to several athletic lay-ins.

Breanna Stewart is all about trusting the process

Although off to a slow start, Breanna Stewart found her trajectory in the second half. With 14 second-half points, the Liberty star was absurd on the defensive end. Matched up with fellow MVP Candidate A’ja Wilson, Stewart had 3 steals and 2 blocks. With the early shots not plunging, Stewart adapted her game and finished with 7 assists.

Post-game, Stewart, 29, opened up about the importance of trusting the process when it comes to development and greatness.

“We make sure that every time we’re together, we make sure that we continue to fulfill our potential and understand that and trust the process, ” said Stewart. ” I guess it’s a corny line, but that’s what we did — we trusted the process and we’ll continue to do that because everyone on this team has a role.”

At the post-game press conference, coach Sandy Brondello stated why Stewart is so good, even when she’s not scoring. “That’s just a stature of who she is,” said Brondello.

“It’s not all about scoring big— [Stewie] can do everything. She’s going against the best player on the other team. She’s rotating, she’s rebounding, she’s running, creating for others,” Brondello told the press. “I thought she played really poised and gives us so much because she demands so much attention- so it really does open for other people as well.”

Playoffs approaching

With five games left in the regular season, the New York Liberty have a vigorous schedule against Connecticut, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, and Washington. With the Commissioner’s Cup in hand, the Liberty fight for the No.1 Seed with Vegas. Even though another matchup against the Aces isn’t promised, one concept is for certain, the New York Liberty want to bring their first championship to New York.

If both teams win their respective divisions, this will be a battle until the end. With two of the most complete and talented teams in the league, the New York and Las Vegas rivalry has just begun.

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WNBA Womens Sports
Angel Reese Sets WNBA Double-Double Record
**Angel Reese, selected seventh overall by the Chicago Sky in the 2024 WNBA Draft, stands out as the lone rookie averaging a double-double this season.**
For those who questioned Angel Reese’s fit in the WNBA, her performance has silenced skeptics and affirmed her status as a rising star in the league. Today, she made history that underscores her potential to become one of basketball’s all-time greats. Beyond her dominance on the court, Reese is also turning heads with her fashion sense, undeniable charisma, and unwavering self-assurance, which translate beautifully into her gameplay.
In the Chicago Sky’s camp day victory, a score of 83-72 against the Dallas Wings, Reese recorded a career-high 18 rebounds alongside 16 points. With two steals added to her stats, the player dubbed “Chi-Town Barbie” achieved a remarkable milestone, becoming the first rookie ever in WNBA history to notch seven consecutive double-doubles. Eight of her rebounds were on the offensive glass, contributing to Chicago’s impressive 48-22 advantage in points scored in the paint. Just a week prior, she had set a new personal best with 20 points against the Connecticut Sun, finishing this latest game at a +17 efficiency while shooting 7-for-13 overall.
Although the Dallas Wings faced injury challenges, their head coach, Latricia Tramell, opted for a larger lineup. With Natasha Howard returning under a minutes restriction, Reese took full advantage of the matchup, showcasing her talent against formidable opponents like Howard, Monique Billings, Teaira McCowan, Morgan Bertsch, and Stephanie Soares—none of whom are shorter than 6 foot 2. Her extraordinary performance is a testament to her skill set, particularly against a Dallas team that ranks second in the league for points scored in the paint. Winning in the WNBA is no small feat, particularly when competing against players towering 6 foot 5 and taller.
In a post-game interview, Reese revealed that she had studied extensive film on Dallas, emphasizing her willingness to do the hard work for her teammates. “I’ll step in, I’ll mess up my nails, lashes, and stuff like that, just for my teammates,” Reese shared in a social media post from the Chicago Sky. She embodies the qualities every franchise covets in a cornerstone player: heart, grit, and hustle.
Reese’s impressive statistics now place her among the legendary figures who paved the way for women’s basketball, such as Sylvia Fowles, Elena Delle Donne, and Candace Parker. With ambitions to surpass Fowles’s season offensive rebounding record, Reese is already third in the league in rebounds, leading all rookies with a total of 68 offensive boards, outpacing elite players such as A’ja Wilson, Napheesa Collier, and Alyssa Thomas.
During the broadcast, Reese emphasized her close relationship with Fowles, reiterating her commitment to victory. “I just want to do whatever it takes to win, and rebounding is what I do to win,” Reese expressed following the game.
With her seventh consecutive double-double, Reese is having a historic rookie season and is on track to break Fowles’s records as she continues to excel at just 22 years old. At halftime, she had already secured 11 rebounds and eclipsed previous records held by Cindy Brown and Tina Charles. Currently, she boasts averages of 12.4 points and 10.8 rebounds per game, making her the only rookie to reach double figures this season. Following the unfortunate injury to Cameron Brink, Reese has distinguished herself in her rookie class.
The Sky entered this game on a rough stretch, having lost four consecutive outings against the Dream, Sun, Mystics, and Fever. However, Reese and her teammates delivered an electrifying performance at Chicago’s annual Camp Day, where many young fans experience their first WNBA game. Engaging with thousands of children in the crowd, Reese expressed her joy in clinching a victory. “Man, I’m just happy we finally won,” she told ESPN. “I’m excited to be in this league, and win some more.”
Currently second overall in points behind Caitlin Clark, Reese leads all rookies in rebounds per game, free-throw attempts and makes, field goals attempted and made, and steals. Her accomplishments make a strong case for the 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year Award.
While other players also earn attention, it’s essential not to overlook Reese, a bona fide national champion and standout during her four years at LSU under the guidance of coach Kim Mulkey. Drafted alongside fellow Gamecock legend Kamilla Cardoso, there were questions about how the two would fit into Teresa Weatherspoon’s front court. Despite some media controversies, Reese consistently puts up impressive numbers.
Standing at 6 foot 3, Reese has recorded double-doubles against notable teams like the Fever, Mystics, Sun, Dream, and Liberty. Out of those seven games, three teams rank among the top five in rebounding. Today, she exhibited relentless aggression, creating numerous second-chance opportunities. Developing her mid-range and outside shooting game would elevate her to a true triple threat.
Eager to continue improving, Reese is a legitimate contender for Rookie of the Year, thriving by consistently making winning plays.
With a season record of 5-9, Reese and the Chicago Sky look ahead to their next challenge against the Indiana Fever at home this Sunday evening.
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WNBA Womens Sports
Introducing the 2024 US Women’s 3×3 Olympics Team: Brink, Burdick, Howard, Van Lith
Introducing the USA Basketball 3x3 Women's National Team
The American Basketball organization has announced the starting lineup for the 2024 Women’s National 3×3 squad.
Featuring the talented Cameron Brink as a standout, the team will also boast the skills of Rhyne Howard, Hailey Van Lith, and Cierra Burdick. Chosen by a selection panel, the Olympic Games are set to be held in Paris, showcasing what promises to be an exceedingly powerful, adaptable, and all-rounded team.
Just a year prior, Brink, Van Lith, and Burdick guided the USA team to victory at the 2023 FIBA 3×3 World Cup, securing the gold medal. With a mix of experienced and emerging talents, team cohesion is expected to be even stronger. Van Lith and Burdick, in particular, have been playing alongside each other since the 2022 World Cup.
The announcement of the players selected for the team was met with profound emotional displays across various social media platforms.
At 22, Brink, who was the Los Angeles Sparks’ second pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, has consistently performed during her freshman season. With Stanford as her alma mater, Brink’s averages include 8.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.1 steals per game. Renowned for her defensive capabilities, her professional performance has lived up to expectations.
Ranking second in the WNBA for total blocks (21) and leading new recruits in that domain, Brink also stands third among her rookie peers for rebounds. As a highly regarded defensive anchor in the league, she excels in defensive boards per contest. With an average of 2.6 blocks per outing, her defensive acumen will be pivotal in the 3×3 format.
After achieving a personal best of 21 points in a recent game against the Fever, the Stanford graduate was honored as the MVP of the 2023 3×3 FIBA World Cup, having steered her team to the top podium. She also played in the 2018 FIBA U17 and 2019 U19 Women’s World Cup teams.
Expanding her team’s offensive options, Brink offers spacing on the floor and can both shoot from the distance and engage in post-up moves. A crucial element will be her prowess in seizing the offensive rebounds.
Introduced at the Tokyo Games in 2021, the 3×3 basketball format promises a riveting yet demanding style of play. Rizzotti and the team are gearing up for their inaugural run in Paris, with the events slated to commence at the twilight of July, stretching into early August.
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WNBA Womens Sports
WNBA Players of the Week: A’ja Wilson and Sabrina Ionescu
Week 3 Western Conference Player of the Week: A'ja Wilson
MVP Periodt and the Sovereign of Brooklyn are dominating WNBA news.
A’ja Wilson from the Las Vegas Aces and Sabrina Ionescu of the New York Liberty have undeniably made an impression, influencing the game within and outside the bounds of the court. Formerly competitors in the 2023 WNBA Finals, they have now claimed the titles of Eastern and Western Conference players of the week.
Ionescu is partnered with Nike and recently unwrapped the Sabrina 2s just last month. Around this coinciding period, Wilson disclosed her inaugural shoe, the Nike A’One, slated for a 2025 launch. Wilson now stands alongside Ionescu as one of the trio of active WNBA athletes boasting their own exclusive footwear lines.
Not even a full two months into the current season and Wilson as well as Ionescu are exerting considerable influence on their respective squads’ performances.
Despite Wilson’s impressive credentials as a two-time WNBA Champion, MVP, and Defensive Player of the Year, she hasn’t overlooked that one time she was ranked fourth by an MVP voter. And with reason, she perpetuates her response to the skeptics with stellar displays on the basketball court.
A’ja Wilson is once again performing at an MVP level
Off to a blistering start, the Aces star added eight blocks and three steals in both matchups against the Atlanta Dream and Minnesota Lynx.
4-2 on the season, Becky Hammon and the Aces suffered a rare 78-74 against the Dream on the road. However, how can we forget Wilson’s unforgettable block on good friend Allisha Gray? It may not have traveled into the concession stand but was a statement block.
On pace for another historical season, Wilson started off the season with five straight double-doubles, owning the longest streak of 20+ points and 10+ rebounds in WNBA history. The league leader in blocks with 12.4, Wilson boasted 29 points, 15 rebounds, three assists, two steals, and four blocks against the Lynx. And a few days later, she put up 28 points, three assists, one steal, and four blocks against the Dream. Over the two games, Wilson shot 46.1 percent from the field.
Earning the weekly award for the 17th time in her career, Wilson has elevated her game significantly. Through six games into the 2024 season, the Aces star is averaging career-highs in points (26.5), rebounds (12.5), and blocks (2.8). Leading the league in player-estimated impact, Wilson is already poised as one of the all-time greats ever to grace the game.
Sabrina Ionescu’s game has evolved beyond the three-point shot
Nearly 21 percent (31) of Ionescu’s 146 field goal attempts have been delivered as driving layups and floating bank shots. Compare this to last year, where she only attempted 17 floater shots. More confident than ever, the California native averages the most points since her rookie season, with 17.9 points per game. Given she only played three games in her first season, it’s a testament to the dedication, growth, and evolution of her game.
Ionescu started off the week with a game-high 22 points, six rebounds, and nine assists against the Phoenix Mercury at home. According to Liberty PR, Ionescu became the first player in franchise history to record double-digit points with at least five assists in a single quarter (10 points and five assists).
Just a few days later, No. 20 poured in 24 points, one rebound, three assists, on 50 percent three-point shooting against Washington at the Barclays. To end the week, the former Oregon star put up 16 points, six rebounds, and six assists in front of 17,000+ fans against the Indiana Fever.
The Las Vegas Aces (4-2) are set to match up against the Dallas Wings, Seattle Storm, and Los Angeles Sparks this week. The New York Liberty defeated the Chicago Sky 88-75 on Tuesday night, and will matchup with Atlanta, Connecticut, and Washington later this week.
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