A'ja Wilson Stats Tonight: Unanimous MVP outplayed by Sabrina Ionescu as Aces lose Game 2 vs Liberty

New York Liberty coach Sandy Brondello thought her team did well guarding Las Vegas Aces superstar A'ja Wilson in Game 1. The three-time MVP finished with 21 points on 9-for-16 shooting and added six rebounds and five assists. Brondello, though, came out with a defensive adjustment for Game 2 on Tuesday.

Unlike in the series opener, the Liberty were more aggressive in sending double teams to contain Wilson. The strategy worked, as New York limited her to 12 points after three quarters in a highly contested encounter. Las Vegas trailed 69-62 leading into the final period.

Chelsea Gray and Tiffany Hayes benefited the most from New York’s new defensive plan to slow down A'ja Wilson. They combined for 21 points and nine assists to stay within striking distance of the hosts. Jackie Young also stepped up, scattering 15 points heading into the last 10 minutes of Game 2.

Wilson scored the Aces’ first four points in the fourth quarter before Sabrina Ionescu and Jonquel Jones responded. New York continued to send help defense, particularly when Wilson had the ball inside the paint. A layup by the reigning WNBA Finals MVP off a Tiffany Hayes assist closed the gap to 74-72 with 5:18 to go.

After the New York Liberty defense held her to 12 points in the first three quarters, A'ja Wilson erupted for 12 in the fourth quarter. Sabrina Ionescu, however, matched her shot for shot, finishing with 11, including seven of New York's final points.

The Liberty played with a little more poise, eking out an 88-84 Game 2 win to head to Las Vegas with a 2-0 series lead. The Aces have not trailed by two games in a playoff series during their two-year reign.

A'ja Wilson stats in Game 2 of the Aces-Liberty series:

Player	PTS	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	FG	3-PT FG	FT	+/-
A'ja Wilson	24	7	4	1	0	0	11-18	0-0	2-4	+3

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Las Vegas Aces wasted an impressive fourth quarter by A'ja Wilson

A'ja Wilson stepped up big when the Las Vegas Aces badly needed her to do so. Had her teammates played with a little more efficiency, the outcome might have been a little different. She tried to drag the defending champs to the finish line, but the hosts were just a little bit better.

Sabrina Ionescu, a thorn in Game 1, continued to haunt the Aces with timely shots and superb playmaking. Las Vegas will try to bounce back when the series shifts to Sin City. Expect Wilson and Co. to play with more desperation to avoid going down via a sweep.