NEW YORK (AP) — In a captivating season opener at the Barclays Center, Breanna Stewart stole the spotlight with an impressive 25-point performance, complemented by Natasha Cloud’s solid 22 points, propelling the New York Liberty to a resounding 92-78 victory over the Las Vegas Aces on Saturday night. The matchup was not just a game; it was a celebration, coinciding with the highly awaited reveal of the team’s 2024 WNBA championship banner, setting a thrilling backdrop for the evening.
The air buzzed with excitement before the game as fans filled the arena for a 15-minute ceremony, where players received their championship rings in front of a sold-out crowd of 17,344. This heartfelt tribute highlighted the Liberty’s remarkable journey back to the top, serving as an energizing force that fueled their performance.
Taking advantage of this emotional surge, New York built a robust 14-point lead by halftime. Nevertheless, the resilient Aces, known for their comeback prowess, battled back to narrow the deficit to just two points at 66-64 early in the fourth quarter. It was at this pivotal moment that Cloud, acquired in a marquee offseason trade, sparked the Liberty with two quick three-point plays, igniting an explosive 8-0 run that stretched their lead to 74-64 with just over five minutes remaining.
Despite the Aces’ fighting spirit, highlighted by A’ja Wilson’s remarkable 31-point, 16-rebound showcase, they struggled to regain control of the game. While Wilson’s performance was stellar, it underscored the limitations faced by her teammates; Jackie Young contributed 16 points, but the absence of key reserve Crystal Bradford, suspended due to earlier disciplinary issues, clearly affected the team’s depth and tactical versatility.
On the flip side, Jewell Loyd encountered her own set of challenges in her debut with the Aces, managing a mere five points after a shaky start that saw her miss her first four shots. This scenario illustrates the difficulty of acclimating to a new team under the intense scrutiny of a season opener.
The Liberty’s emphatic win not only positions them as frontrunners in the league but also sends a significant message to their competitors: New York is resolute in its quest to defend its championship and solidify its standing in the WNBA hierarchy.
As the season unfolds, the basketball community will undoubtedly keep a watchful eye on the Liberty and their dynamic roster, poised to create even more unforgettable moments in this fierce battle among the titans of women’s basketball.
