Lady Liberty Strikes Late đź—˝

08/18/2022 Lady Liberty Strikes Late đź—˝

By: Jeff Yoder

Liberty Pull Upset Against Defending Champion Sky to Open WNBA Playoffs 

The WNBA Playoffs have officially begun. Last night’s pair of Game 1s featured fourth-quarter spurts that swung the scoreboard. The Liberty and Aces were victorious in a pair of opening-round thrillers. The other two first-round series tip-off tonight as the action continues.

 

#7 Liberty def. #2 Sky (98-91)

A stunner in Chicago! The 2-seed Sky had the 7-seed Liberty on the ropes through 3.5 quarters, but New York reeled off a 13-0 run in the final 3:20 to steal the series opener. Sabrina Ionescu (22-7-6) and Natasha Howard (22-7-3) combined for 44 points, including nine points in 90 seconds down the stretch. Game 1 belongs to the underdog.

 

#1 Aces def. #8 Mercury (79-63)

A wild one in the desert saw the top-seeded Aces pull away from the Mercury down the stretch. Vegas held a five-point lead at halftime before both teams scored just nine points apiece in the third quarter. Aces’ star A’ja Wilson was held in check with just eight points on 2-for-11 shooting, but the back court stepped up. Kelsey Plum (22), Chelsea Gray (17) and Jackie Young (16) combined for 55 points.

 

Tonight’s Schedule

Gm 1: #6 Wings at #3 Sun (8:00 pm ET)
Gm 1: #5 Mystics at #4 Storm (10:00 pm ET)

 

Additional Storylines

B/R: Top 10 Storylines of the WNBA Playoffs

CBS Sports: Ionescu, Liberty Stun Sky in Game 1 4th-Quarter Comeback

 

Photo: Michael Reaves / Getty Images