In a thrilling matchup, the New York Liberty took a commanding 2-0 lead in the semi-final series by defeating the two-time reigning champions, the Las Vegas Aces, 88-84 on Tuesday night. Sabrina Ionescu was the star of the game, delivering an impressive performance with 24 points, helping her team inch closer to a potential Finals berth.

As the series shifts to Las Vegas for Game 3 on Friday, the Aces find themselves in a precarious position. Historically, no WNBA team has ever come back from a 2-0 deficit in a best-of-five playoff series, with the 2018 Phoenix Mercury being the only team to extend their series to a Game 5 against Seattle during those playoffs. The stakes couldn't be higher for the Aces as they fight to keep their championship hopes alive.

"We love being in the history books, so might as well try to start there," said Aces guard Chelsea Gray, embodying her team’s determination to make history by overcoming the odds.

The latest game was a nail-biter, with the score tied at 81-81 until Ionescu hit a crucial jumper with just over a minute remaining. The tension escalated as both teams traded opportunities. In a dramatic turn, New York managed to secure a rebound and Ionescu was fouled, allowing her to stretch the lead to two points with mere seconds left on the clock. Las Vegas attempted to tie the game in the final moments, but a controversial out-of-bounds call, which the Liberty successfully challenged, sealed their fate and left the Aces scrambling for answers.

In the other semi-final, the Minnesota Lynx evened their series against the Connecticut Sun with a 77-70 victory. Despite star player Napheesa Collier's off-night, scoring just nine points, her teammates stepped up, with Courtney Williams contributing 17 points and Alanna Smith chipping in with another 15. Williams reflected on the intensity of the playoffs, saying, "The first game they were chirping and chatting, so we had to give it back to them. Playoff basketball, man."

The Sun struggled offensively, with top scorer Alyssa Thomas finishing with 18 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists, yet the team could only manage a disappointing 25% shooting from beyond the arc. Nonetheless, the Sun will have a chance to reclaim momentum as they host both Game 3 and Game 4 in Connecticut this weekend, with a potential decisive Game 5 set for Minnesota on October 8 if necessary.

With the playoffs heating up, fans are left on the edge of their seats, wondering if the dominant Aces can rally back or if the Liberty will continue their impressive run. Will Las Vegas rise to the occasion, or will we witness a stunning upset in WNBA history? Don’t miss the action!