The WNBA semifinals have been nothing short of thrilling, and Game 2 was no exception. With a packed arena echoing the roars of passionate fans, the New York Liberty and Las Vegas Aces showcased their dominance on their home courts. Below, we will provide a recap of the electrifying action as well as our picks for Game 3.
First, check outĀ our guide to WNBA betting oddsĀ for all the information you need about betting on the WNBA playoffs.
2023 WNBA Championship Odds
| WNBA Outright Winner |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|
| Las Vegas Aces | -250 | -226 | -226 |
| New York Liberty | +260 | +226 | +226 |
| Connecticut Sun | +1200 | +1200 | +1200 |
| Dallas Wings | +10000 | +8000 | +8000 |
New York Liberty Soar to Even the Series with Connecticut Sun
Down 0-1 in the series and staring at a potential deficit, the New York Liberty summoned their inner strength and determination to emerge victorious in a nail-biting encounter against the Connecticut Sun. The final score of 84-77 doesn't begin to capture the intensity of the clash.
Sabrina Ionescu was the heart and soul of the Liberty's resurgence, putting up an astounding 21 points. Betnijah Laney added her own firepower with 20 points, proving that teamwork can make all the difference.
The game didn't start on a bright note for the Liberty, with Connecticut holding a 42-38 lead at halftime. New York's offense struggled early on, with Ionescu and Jonquel Jones carrying the scoring load. However, a remarkable 18-5 run to start the third quarter shifted the momentum firmly in favor of the Liberty, who never looked back.
Connecticut tried to mount a comeback in the fourth, clawing to within five points with just 1:43 left on the clock. But it was Ionescu's cool-headedness under pressure, sinking crucial free throws and forcing a critical turnover, that sealed the deal for the Liberty.
The Sun shortened their rotation, leaning heavily on DeWanna Bonner and Alyssa Thomas, who played all 40 minutes. Breanna Stewart, freshly crowned as the WNBA's Most Valuable Player, had a quieter night but came through in the clutch moments.
The series now shifts to Connecticut, where the Sun will host the Liberty in what promises to be another thrilling showdown on Friday at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN 2.
Game 3 Picks:
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Las Vegas Aces Maintain Their Undefeated Streak
In a showcase of MVP-caliber talent, the Las Vegas Aces defended their unbeaten record in the playoffs with a hard-fought 91-84 victory over the Dallas Wings. A'ja Wilson, who finished third in the MVP race, played like an undisputed MVP, scoring 30 points for the third consecutive playoff gameāa historic achievement in WNBA history.
From the opening tip, it was a masterclass from Wilson and Chelsea Gray, who outscored the entire Wings team in the first quarter. Gray finished the night with 23 points, eight assists, and five rebounds, cementing her status as a key player in the Aces' playoff run.
The Dallas Wings, refusing to back down, were led by Arike Ogunbowale's 24 points and Natasha Howard's double-double performance of 20 points and 10 rebounds. In the final quarter, they came within five points of the Aces before Las Vegas embarked on a decisive 13-6 run, securing the win.
Despite a commendable performance by Dallas, they now face an uphill battle, trailing 0-2 in the series. No WNBA team has ever come back to win a five-game series after falling behind 0-2.
Dallas must rally and win on Friday to keep their season alive. Game 3 is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. ET on ESPN 2, promising another night of high-stakes basketball action.
Game 3 Picks:
Determining the WNBA Finals Contenders
As the semifinals continue, rotations tighten, and roles become more defined. All teams are now relying on a core seven players, suggesting that all possible adjustments have been explored. The Connecticut Sun are poised perfectly, heading home with the series tied. On the flip side, the Dallas Wings face a daunting task and will likely need a breakout performance from Satou Sabally to extend their season.
With both teams in action on Friday and a potential Sunday showdown for Dallas against Las Vegas, the road to the WNBA Finals is narrowing. The excitement is palpable as fans eagerly await the emergence of the two teams that will vie for championship glory. Stay tuned for more heart-pounding action in this WNBA playoff journey.
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