The Las Vegas Aces struck first by defeating the New York Liberty 99-82 in Game 1 of the WNBA Finals. Las Vegas fed off their homecourt crowds' energy throughout the night and reminded the world that they are still the defending champions.
Jackie Young and Kelsey Plum led the Aces in scoring with 26 a piece. Both guards shot over 50 percent from the field and came out looking to attack. On the flip, side Breanna Stewart led the Liberty in scoring with 21 points and Jonquel Jones finished the game with 16 points.
Las Vegas shot 40.9 percent from 3-point land while New York shot an uncharacteristic 31 percent from 3. Despite both teams being evenly matched, the Aces were able to pull away because of their points in the paint, rebounding, and easy points in transition.
Despite the turnout in Game 1, it's a long series and New York can make the adjustments to bounce back. Here are three adjustments that the Liberty can make in Game 2.
Game 2 adjustments for the Liberty: 3. touches for Betnijah Laney
The first adjustment that New York needs to make is getting Betnijah Laney involved on the offensive early. She is a player who can impact the game in a variety of ways.
Laney has been the catalyst for the Liberty this postseason and she needs to be factored into the offense a bit more in Game 2. She finished Game 1 with 11 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 steals while shooting 62.5 percent from the floor.
The Rutgers product has become the X-factor for this team and a lockdown defender with a smooth jumper. She helps this team get out in transition with her active hands and helps space the floor with her 3-point shooting.
Throughout this series, Laney will have to guard the likes of A'ja Wilson (in spurts), Plum, and Young. Defending different positions will weigh on most but Laney is built for the cause and she feeds off of defense.
Laney can create her own offense and move without the ball. If the Liberty can force more turnovers in Game 2, it will create easy opportunities for Laney and others.
Game 2 adjustments for the Liberty: 2. Don't die by the 3
The second adjustment that New York needs to make is to avoid being reliant on the 3-pointer. Clearly, the Liberty have the ability to shoot from 3 but missed 3s can turn into fast break chances for the Aces.
New York finished game one shooting 9-of-29 from deep (31 percent). In order to beat Las Vegas they will have to knock down some shots from deep but they need to focus on their ability to get to the lane and dominate in the post.
Jones and Stewart have the ability to post up and wreak havoc in the post. Granted Wilson recorded three blocks in the game and has shut down the post at times but New York has multiple scoring options in the frontcourt.
If the Liberty continue to shoot poorly in this series it could be over rather quickly. The team attempted 29 shots in comparison to Las Vegas's 22 attempts.
New York should look to dump the ball into the post with Jones more or play high pick-and-roll for more mid-range opportunities.
Game 2 adjustments for the Liberty: 1. Sabrina Ionescu
The final adjustment that New York needs to make for Game 2 is the aggressiveness of Sabrina Ionescu. In Game 1, she did not really assert herself thanks to great defense from the Aces but also due to deferring to others.
In Game 2 Ionescu has to come out looking to score in order for the Liberty to have a chance to win. She finished Game 1 with 7 points, 5 assists, and 5 rebounds while shooting 1-of-5 from deep (20 percent) and 28 percent from the floor.
The Oregon product can shoot lights out and get to the rim at will. She is another player that can push the pace to help their offense get in sync.
When Ionescu is looking to score, it opens up the rest of the floor for other players. Her movement without the ball creates a lane for the frontcourt. Again, you have to give credit to Las Vegas and how they defended her with and without the ball in her hand but she has to put up some resistance.
Lastly, SI has to commit more to the defensive end. The Aces are going to continue to feed Young the ball and play pick-and-roll for the switch.
Ionescu has to have an impact on Game 2 in order for NY to win and have a chance to win this series. Tune in to Game 2 which is set to kick off tonight at 9 p.m. EST.
