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A'ja Wilson and the Las Vegas Aces opened their semifinal series against the New York Liberty with an 87-77 loss. After dominating the Seattle Storm in the first round, the two-time defending champs stuttered on Sunday in New York. Wilson had a decent game but the Liberty defense limited her supporting cast.
The Aces now trail a playoff series for the first time since going down to the Storm 76-73 in Game 1 of the semis of the 2022 playoffs. Las Vegas won the next three games after that defeat to reach the WNBA Finals. Wilson and Co. need to bounce back to prevent a 2-0 deficit before the series shifts to Sin City.
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5 adjustments A'ja Wilson and the Aces need to make to bounce back in Game 2
#5 The Aces have to compete more for rebounds
A'ja Wilson averaged 11.9 rebounds per game in the WNBA, second-best in the league during the regular season. Against the New York Liberty in Game 1, she had a team-high six boards. The Las Vegas Aces need more from her and her teammates to bounce back in Game 2.
Jonquel Jones dominated the glass for New York with 12 boards, two on the offensive end. New York won the rebounding battle 31-22. The Aces have to close the gap to prevent the Liberty from getting more possessions.
#4 Las Vegas has to win the hustle plays
Las Vegas Aces coach Becky Hammon seemed disgusted by how her players hustled in Game 1. The Aces seemed like a step late in 50-50 balls and gave up too many transition points. New York’s 16-6 edge in fastbreak points told a big part about the Aces’ lack of hustle.
The Aces’ 3-point defense held up well but they surrendered easy points on the break. If they want to even the series, they have to emphasize sprinting back on defense.
#3 The Aces could give A'ja Wilson more picks and screens
A'ja Wilson had to work hard for her 21 points after being defended by the 6-foot-6 Jonquel Jones, a perennial All-WNBA Defensive team member. The New York Liberty defense was on point, forcing Wilson to go against Jones or Breanna Stewart. She needs pindowns and picks to ease her scoring burden.
A lighter load for Wilson on offense should also give her more energy to tangle with Stewart on the defensive end.
#2 Double Breanna Stewart
A'ja Wilson started this season with a point to prove. She must have felt the MVP won by Stewart last season was hers. “Stewie” had a great Game 1 with 34 points.
Becky Hammon refused to send double teams even when Stewart torched them for 20 points in 20 minutes. New York’s franchise player feasted on one-on-one matchups.
If Breanna Stewart has another fiery start in Game 2, Hammon should send help to whoever’s guarding Stewart.
#1 A'ja Wilson has to take on Stewart more
If Hammon refuses to send double teams to contain Breanna Stewart, asking A'ja Wilson to guard her should be on the card. Wilson, who narrowly missed a third straight Defensive Player of the Year award, should do a better job than Tiffany Hayes or Alysha Clark.
Hayes and Clark, who played more minutes than center Kiah Stokes, spent most of their minutes trying to slow down Stewart. They hardly mattered in front of the two-time MVP who took on their defense with gusto.
Hammon likely wanted to keep A'ja Wilson from foul trouble and her legs fresh. The Las Vegas Aces wouldn’t want to trail 0-2 before the series goes to Las Vegas. Asking Wilson to guard Stewart might be the best solution.
