Frank Franklin II / Associated Press
New York Liberty’s Breanna Stewart defends Las Vegas Aces’ A’ja Wilson during the first half in Game 3 of a WNBA basketball final playoff series, Sunday, Oct. 15, 2023, in New York.
Published Sunday, Oct. 15, 2023 | 2:35 p.m.
Updated Sunday, Oct. 15, 2023 | 3:57 p.m.
BROOKLYN — The Aces expected the New York Liberty to hold serve on their home court. They did that, and the WNBA Finals will see another game.
But losing 87-73 in Game 3 of the finals at Barclays Center on Sunday might be the least of the Aces' concerns. They may have to go through the foreseeable future without point guard Chelsea Gray, last year’s Finals MVP.
Gray suffered a leg injury late in the fourth quarter and was replaced by Kierstan Bell with 4:15 remaining. Gray was seen on crutches in the hallway, and coach Becky Hammon did not have an update postgame.
“I’ll let you know when we know,” Hammon said.
The Aces, following their first loss this postseason (7-1), lead the best-of-5 finals series 2-1 and will have another opportunity to try and win their second consecutive WNBA title in Game 4 on Wednesday (5 p.m., ESPN).
Kelsey Plum scored a game-high 29 points on 10 of 22 shooting, and A’ja Wilson had 16 points and 11 rebounds but went 4 of 16 from the floor in what was, overall, a rough shooting night from the defending WNBA champions.
The Aces were held to 33% shooting while the Liberty, in their first finals win at home in team history, bounced back after losing Games 1 and 2 in Las Vegas to shoot 52.4% (33 of 63).
“That was to be expected. This is a good team we’re talking about. We weren’t coming in thinking that it was going to be like Game 2,” said Wilson who had 26 points and 15 rebounds in the 104-76 win at Michelob Ultra Arena on Wednesday. “It was obviously a different feeling; you’re in their place, so of course they’re going to have a different vibe. We still got a chance to take care of business.”
Outside of Plum, the Aces couldn't find an offensive rhythm. Jackie Young, following consecutive 20-point games, was held to 2 of 9. Gray went 4 of 12 before exiting the game, and had two assists and two turnovers.
Then there was Wilson, who was neutralized the moment her teammates couldn't score.
“It just wasn’t going in. I kept shooting, so that’s a plus,” Wilson said of her rough night. “I don’t think anything was sped up or rushed. I was just getting to my spots and they just didn’t hit.”
Nearly everything went in the Aces’ favor. They lost the rebounding battle 35-34, but had eight on the offensive glass; they went to the free-throw line 23 times and made 20. They even trailed 67-61 with 5:31 left in the game after a five-point run from Wilson seemed to get her going.
But just like in Games 1 and 2, the Aces had no answer for Liberty center Jonquel Jones. The 6-foot-8 Jones has been a force in the paint, but her outside touch came into form in Game 3, making four of her seven 3-point attempts. Jones finished with 27 points and eight rebounds, and league MVP Breanna Stewart had her best offensive game of the series with 20 points (8 of 16) and 12 rebounds.
“I don’t know what her career-high in threes is, but I know we can do a better job mixing up our looks, more sense of urgency getting out to shooters, better job keeping the ball in front,” Hammon said of Jones. “And in the grand scheme of things, if you want somebody shooting threes out there, it’s probably her. I don’t want (Betnijah) Laney, or (Sabrina Ionescu), or Stewie, and she made them. Good for her.”
Hammon said the Aces would go with a by-committee approach if Gray can’t go in Game 4. Plum and Young can direct the offense, if need be. That likely means Sixth Player of the Year Alysha Clark goes into the starting lineup.
That also drastically thins the Aces’ bench and would call for one of Bell or Sydney Colson to get those minutes. There’s also the slim possibility of forward Candace Parker returning from foot surgery; Parker has been practicing but has not yet been cleared to play, and hasn't since July.
Regardless, losing Gray would be a difficult blow. The Aces are still in the driver’s seat with a chance to clinch Wednesday and, if need be, a deciding Game 5 at home on Friday — where the Aces lost twice all season. One of those was against the Liberty in the Commissioner’s Cup championship which didn’t count against the standings.
Momentum was on the Aces’ side, and it still might be, but they may need to find a way to finish the job without their all-star point guard.
“There’s not one person that’s going to step up and fill her shoes,” Hammon said. “It’s going to be a next-woman-up type of situation. Everyone is going to have to do a little bit more.”
Danny Webster can be reached at 702-259-8814 or [email protected]. Follow Danny on Twitter at twitter.com/DannyWebster21.
