Las Vegas Aces vs New York Liberty Player Stats and Box Scores for September 29 | Game 1, 2024 WNBA Playoffs Semifinals

The Las Vegas Aces vs. New York Liberty playoff series is a rematch of the 2023 WNBA Finals. Game 1 of the semifinals tipped off at Barclays Center, Brooklyn, NY.

The Liberty tried to get an advantage from being the home team, stealing possessions and playing fast to drift away from the Aces early in the game. On the other hand, Las Vegas tried to be more patient with the ball in their hands and to find the best chances to score.

Sabrina Ionescu and Breanna Stewart were ready for business and combined for 18 points in the first period. A'ja Wilson struggled to find her rhythm, only scoring four points to start the game.

Las Vegas Aces vs New York Liberty Player Stats and Box Scores for September 29

Las Vegas Aces player stats and box score

Player	PTS	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO
Kia Stokes	0	1	0	0	0	1
A'ja Wilson	21	6	5	0	2	2
Chelsea Gray	4	3	1	0	1	2
Kelsey Plum	24	2	4	0	0	3
Jackie Young	17	2	2	2	0	0
Alysha Clark	9	5	1	1	1	1
Sydney Colson	0	0	3	3	0	1
Tiffany Hayes	2	3	1	3	0	0
Megan Gustafson	DNP
Queen Egbo	DNP
Kate Martin	DNP
Kierstan Bell	DNP

New York Liberty player stats and box score

Player	PTS	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO
Betnijah Laney-Hamilton	4	4	3	2	1	1
Breanna Stewart	34	5	3	2	1	4
Jonque Jones	13	12	1	1	1	2
Leonie Fiebich	6	1	2	0	0	2
Sabrina Ionescu	21	4	3	2	1	3
Kayla Thornton	2	0	0	0	0	0
Nyara Sabally	2	2	0	1	0	1
Courtneey Vandersloot	3	1	4	2	0	0
Kennedy Burke	2	0	1	0	0	0
Jaylyn Sherrod	DNP
Marquesha Davis	DNP
Ivana Dojkic	DNP

Las Vegas Aces vs New York Liberty playoff semifinals Game 1 recap

After losing the first quarter 28-21, the Aces made some adjustments and lost the second quarter by only three points (20-17). A'ja Wilson woke up and scored six points to enter halftime with 10. On the other side, Breanna Stewart finished the first half with 20 points while Jonquel Jones contributed 11 units and Sabrina Ionescu added nine.

The third quarter presented a different picture, as the Aces finally won, but their 24-23 victory wasn't enough to get closer to the Liberty. They managed their advantage heading into the fourth quarter, confirming their victory while holding off the Aces' advances.

They couldn't get closer than eight points (83-73 with 2:13 left on the clock) before Breanna Stewart sealed the deal with the final bucket of the game to give New York the first win of the series.

The Las Vegas Aces vs New York Liberty was considered the Finals before the Finals by many fans, as these team clashed last season to define the 2023 WNBA champion. The home team, which finished the season with the best record (32-8) remains unbeaten in the playoffs after taking care of the Aces with an 87-77 win.

Newly crowned WNB MVP A'ja Wilson wasn't inspired today despite her 21 points. She grabbed six rebounds and dished five assists to go along with two blocks. In similar fashion, Kelsey Plum added 24 points with two rebounds and four assists to lead the team in scoring.

On the other hand, the two-headed monster that leads the Liberty was on a mission today, with Breanna Stewart dropping 34 points, grabbing five rebounds and assisting teammates four times. She added two steals and one block to her account. Sabrina Ionescu had a remarkable game, too, dropping 21 points on 50% shooting from 3-point rang while adding four rebounds and five assists. Jonquel Jones recorded a double-double with 13 points and 12 rebounds to confirm her team's victory.