The Liberty already took on the Aces last week and won, 87-76. Now, they face them again for the Commissioner's Cup Final, but this time without four-time MVP A'ja Wilson.
New York has been on a skid recently, losing their last two games. A win and a Commissioner's Cup will certainly bring up morale and break the slump. Without Wilson to worry about, their job just got easier, but they still have a squad full of All-Stars to get through.
Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones needs to work the paint
With Cheyenne Parker-Tyus expected to get the start in Wilson's absence, the Liberty's own MVP's will need to exploit her. Parker-Tyus is a great player coming off the bench, but her role changes as a starter. She plays about 10 minutes a game and averages almost two fouls. Lucky for the Liberty, they have the best free-throw shooting percentage in the league with 84.6%.
Jones' 6'6 and Stewart's 6'4 frame will be an ultimate hack for the Liberty to either draw fouls or bully players in the paint. Especially if Stewart gets to the line, she has shot 86% from there so far, and Jones has shot 81%.
Last week, when the Liberty played the Aces, they shot 14-for-16 from the free-throw line compared to the Aces, who shot 6-for-8. If the Aces can create as many opportunities, then their shots are almost guaranteed to fall in.
Along with Parker-Tyus, limiting NaLyssa Smith again on rebounds will be key. In their last matchup, the Liberty held Smith to her season-low of one rebound. If the Liberty can crash the glass, drive to the basket and draw fouls, they'll be exploiting the Aces holes when they don't have Wilson.
Home advantage is on the Liberty's side
The Cup Final will be played at Barclays Center, with Ellie the Elephant on the Liberty's side, which gives New York an advantage. The Aces have won big games before on the road or not, but not without their star player being the driving force.
The Aces still have a star-studded lineup, especially in their guards Chelsea Gray and Jackie Young. They will undoubtedly have great offensive games as they always do, but both teams are in the top five for field goal percentage, so the difference for the Liberty will be how much they can battle in the paint and stay hot from the 3-point line.
Las Vegas will be out of its element without Wilson and being on the road, so the Liberty needs to exploit that. The Liberty has a true run at a win here and leaving without one would be a disappointment.
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