The reigning two-time WNBA champion Las Vegas Aces have their backs against the wall following a Game 2 loss at the hands of the New York Liberty in the semifinals of this year’s playoffs.
Just like Game 1 of the series, this contest went down to the wire: Liberty won a second game on its home court 88-84 and took a commanding 2-0 series lead.
Part of the blame for the result could fall on the shoulders of star guard Kelsey Plum, who shot 2 of 9 from the field and 2 of 5 from 3-point range for just six points. while spinning the ball three times.
As a result, Plum received a reprimand from Aces head coach Becky Hammon, with video capturing the coach berating the star guard after calling a timeout.
After the game, Hammon explained his outrage in a press conference.
Las Vegas Aces head coach Becky Hammon seen berating star guard Kelsey Plum
Plum shot a poor 2-of-9 from the field and only managed six points with three turnovers.
‘I want to call a timeout because I’m very frustrated with them. Which I did tonight,” Hammon said.
‘I’m not angry with the officials. I’m not mad at the New York Liberty. I’m angry with us.’
Las Vegas was led by a 27-point, seven-rebound, four-assist performance from star center A’ja Wilson.
Aside from Plum, the rest of the Aces’ starting five scored double-digit points. Jackie Young scored 17, Chelsea Gray had 14 and Alysha Clark had 13.
Off the bench, point guard Tiffany Hayes scored 10 points, four rebounds and six assists.
As for the victors, the Liberty were led by a 24-point, nine-rebound, five-assist performance from star guard Sabrina Ionescu. The former Oregon product shot 9 of 18 from the field.
Fellow stars Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones also scored double-digit points (15 and 14 respectively), while guard Courtney Vandersloot had 12 points and four rebounds off the bench.
Las Vegas will host the Liberty for Game 3 on Friday night, where a loss would mean the end of their hopes for a third title.