Mon Sep 30 00:18:47 UTC 2024: ## Liberty Dominate Aces in Semifinal Opener, Stewart Shines with 34 Points

**New York, NY** – The New York Liberty sent a clear message in their WNBA Semifinal opener, dismantling the defending champion Las Vegas Aces 92-84. The victory marks their 22nd double-digit win of the season, tying them with the Minnesota Lynx for the most in the league.

The Liberty’s success was built upon a suffocating defense that effectively neutralized Aces MVP A’ja Wilson. The star forward was held in check, forced to work hard for every shot.

Leading the charge for New York was Breanna Stewart, who delivered a dominant performance with 34 points. She was relentless in attacking mismatches, showcasing her unique combination of size, skill, and touch. Stewart’s pull-up triple midway through the third quarter propelled the Liberty to an 18-point lead, their largest of the game.

Sabrina Ionescu added another impressive playoff performance with 21 points and 5 assists. Her ability to score both inside and out kept the Aces defense on their toes.

The Liberty’s balanced scoring attack and strong defense were on full display. They shot an impressive 81.8% at the rim and recorded 22 assists on 30 baskets.

While the Aces mounted a comeback attempt in the third quarter, the Liberty ultimately proved too strong. Their commitment to teamwork and a relentless pursuit of victory were evident throughout the game.

“It just feels like we have each other’s back,” said Stewart. “Whether it’s offensively or defensively, mistake or not, we know where each other is going to be. We continue to fight, and that’s what we need.”

With the series shifting to Las Vegas for Game 2 on Tuesday, the Liberty are confident but not complacent. They are determined to avenge last year’s Finals loss and capture their first WNBA championship.

“We’re hungry,” said Stewart. “We just want to continue to be better. And we know that tonight we got the win, but it (takes) more than one to win a series. We’re going to be ready on Tuesday.”

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