On Sunday, the Related Press’ Doug Feinberg reported Lee attended his second straight Liberty playoff recreation, donning an Ionescu jersey. She scored 21 factors and went 3-of-6 from three-point vary.
Lee was additionally on the Liberty’s opening-round clincher over the Atlanta Dream, during which Ionescu recorded a postseason-high 36 points and shot 5-of-11 from past the arc.
Following Sunday’s win over the Aces, Ionescu informed the media Lee was one of many first folks to name her when the Liberty drafted her No. 1 total in 2020. She seemingly appreciated the gesture, which can clarify why she shines when he is on the Barclays Middle.
Is Recreation 2 on Tuesday a must-win for the Aces?
Whereas there’s nonetheless loads of time for the two-time defending champions, historical past suggests dropping the primary recreation may spell hassle for Vegas. In keeping with ESPN’s Michael Voepel, groups that win Recreation 1 in a best-of-five WNBA collection prevail 77% of the time (27-8).
Moreover, the Aces regarded out of sync in Recreation 1. That they had 11 turnovers and shot 7-of-25 from three.
Per Feinberg, the Aces have solely trailed in a playoff collection as soon as over the previous two years. In 2022, they misplaced their first recreation in opposition to the Seattle Storm earlier than profitable three consecutive video games. Maybe that is why head coach Becky Hammon nonetheless appears assured.
“We needed to beat [the Storm] three video games in a row. We have had our backs in opposition to the wall earlier than,” Hammon stated in a postgame news conference.
Solar guard Marina Mabrey lived as much as her nickname
Mabrey “Cash” Mabrey completed seventh within the WNBA in three-pointers made (98 in 40 games) throughout the common season. The 28-year-old is sustaining her scorching hand within the postseason.
Within the Solar’s 73-70 victory over the Lynx, Mabrey scored 20 factors and went 6-of-11 from three-point land. She is taking pictures 42.4% from the three-point line through three playoff games.
Mabrey’s potential to shoot from three forces defenses to concentrate on her, creating alternatives for others. This was evident in opposition to Minnesota, as Connecticut forwards Alyssa Thomas, DeWanna Bonner and guard DiJonai Carrington mixed for 40 points.
Lynx ahead Napheesa Collier nonetheless provides them an opportunity to win the collection
Earlier than the sport, Collier was awarded with 2024 Defensive Participant of the 12 months. Although the Lynx misplaced, the four-time All-Star confirmed why she was a deserving winner.
In the course of the loss, Collier was second on the Lynx in defensive rebounds and had two steals. She additionally led the crew in factors scored (19) and went 5-of-5 from the free-throw line.
The Lynx shot 25% from three in opposition to the Solar. Assuming they appropriate this and Collier retains thriving, they might rebound in Recreation 2 on Tuesday.
