No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show Episode: Las Vegas Aces Take A Commanding Series Lead
Release Date: October 13, 2023
Hosts: Zena Keita, Chantel Jennings, Sabreena Merchant, Ben Pickman

Introduction

In this episode of No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show, hosts Zena Keita and Ben Pickman dive deep into the recent clash between the Las Vegas Aces and the New York Liberty in the WNBA Finals. With the Aces securing a commanding lead in the series, the discussion revolves around game dynamics, player performances, coaching decisions, and prospects for the upcoming games.

Game Breakdown

First Quarter Dominance

The episode kicks off with a detailed analysis of the first quarter, where the Las Vegas Aces overwhelmed the New York Liberty with a staggering score of 38-19.

• Zena Keita highlights the Aces' aggressive start:

  "From the very start of the game... the Aces just came out firing. It was scorched mode." [06:43]

• Ben Pickman emphasizes the Liberty's struggles:

  "They missed five of their first six shots. The Aces made five of their first seven." [06:43]

The Aces, led by Kelsey Plum, Asia Wilson, and Kia Stokes, set a relentless pace that left the Liberty needing a Michelob Ultra just to keep up with the intensity.

Second Quarter Adjustments

Moving into the second quarter, the Liberty made noticeable improvements, outscoring the Aces 25-14. However, this resurgence was largely due to standout performances by specific players rather than a team-wide effort.

• Zena Keita points out Jonquel Jones' impact:

  "She alone was six of seven from the field and had six offensive rebounds." [13:24]

• Ben Pickman discusses the temporary stabilization:

  "New York's defense settled down a little bit... Jonquel Jones was putting up misses and cleaning it up." [13:24]

Despite shooting better overall, the Liberty's offense remained stagnant, relying heavily on Jones to maintain competitiveness in the game.

Third Quarter Struggles

The third quarter saw the Aces revert to their dominant form, outscoring the Liberty 28-13, effectively sealing the game's outcome.

• Zena Keita remarks on the Aces' consistency:

  "The Aces were the league's best team in the third quarter this year, almost 20 points net rating." [22:10]

• Ben Pickman critiques the Liberty's defensive lapses:

  "Stewie had four turnovers in that quarter. That’s an inopportune time to have it." [22:10]

The Liberty failed to sustain the momentum from the second quarter, allowing the Aces to dominate both offensively and defensively.

Player Performances

Las Vegas Aces

• Jonquel Jones:
  Dominated the first half with efficient shooting and crucial rebounds, setting the tone early in the game.

  "She really was the star in that second quarter." [13:24]

• Asia Wilson:
  Displayed exceptional versatility, contributing significantly both offensively and defensively.

  "Asia was quietly dominant in game one and got anything she wanted in game two." [34:52]

• Chelsea Gray:
  Excelled as a floor general, facilitating plays and assisting teammates effectively.

  "Chelsea Gray might be the best passer in women's basketball." [34:52]

• Jackie Young:
  Emerged as a crucial scorer in the third quarter, maintaining the Aces' offensive pressure.

  "Jackie Young... has been phenomenal for two straight games." [40:07]

New York Liberty

• Breanna Stewart (WNBA MVP):
  Struggled to find her rhythm, with lower shooting percentages in the playoffs compared to the regular season.

  "She's shooting 20% from three in these playoffs compared to her regular season, 35.5%." [34:52]

• Benija Laney:
  Tasked with guarding Chelsea Gray, performed solidly but faced strategic challenges.

  "Benija Laney is done a pretty solid job, but Chelsea had to work for every point." [25:36]

• Courtney Vandersloot:
  Continued to struggle offensively, prompting discussions about defensive strategies against her.

  "Courtney Vandersloot certainly struggled again." [25:47]

• Sabrina Ionescu:
  Recognized for her potential but hasn’t fully stepped up in critical moments.

  "You have to carry your team... but you also have to be making the shots." [28:16]

Coaching and Strategy

New York Liberty's Approach

Head Coach Sandy Brondello faces scrutiny over her strategies, particularly in the early game and defensive setups.

• Zena Keita questions the defensive focus:

  "There hasn't been a focal point in trying to make Jackie Young a non-factor." [25:36]

• Ben Pickman discusses possible adjustments:

  "Maybe you move Benija Laney to Jackie Young or to Kelsey Plum, but then you're opening up another matchup." [25:36]

The Liberty's inability to adjust defensively against the Aces' key players has been a significant hindrance.

Las Vegas Aces' Dominance

The Aces, under the leadership of Becky Hammond, have showcased superior chemistry and strategic execution throughout the series.

• Zena Keita praises the Aces' cohesion:

  "The Aces have had more time to gel, but New York isn't exactly a new collection." [18:33]

• Ben Pickman highlights the Aces' in-game adjustments:

  "They are coming at them with aggression and maintaining their focus." [25:36]

Predictions and Future Outlook

Finals MVP Contenders

Both hosts and Ben Pickman discuss potential MVP candidates based on current performances.

• Jackie Young:
  Seen as a strong contender due to her consistent scoring and impact in crucial quarters.

  "I would predict that she would get the Finals MVP." [40:07]

• Asia Wilson:
  Her all-around performance makes her another top candidate.

  "Those would be my two frontrunners in terms of Finals MVP." [40:07]

Game Three Expectations

Looking ahead to Game Three at Barclays Center, the hosts speculate on possible outcomes and strategic shifts.

• Zena Keita anticipates an inspired Liberty performance:

  "I do still think the New York Liberty will win game three." [43:45]

• Ben Pickman remains cautious, emphasizing the Aces' current momentum:

  "I think the Aces are going to sweep this because their level of focus is scary." [40:07]

There is a clear divergence in predictions, with Keita hopeful for a competitive Game Three, while Pickman leans towards a potential sweep by the Aces.

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with reflections on the series' trajectory and the critical adjustments the New York Liberty must implement to challenge the dominant Las Vegas Aces effectively. Hosts emphasize the importance of defensive strategies, player performances, and coaching decisions moving forward.

• Zena Keita sums up the series intensity:

  "Las Vegas Aces have a lot of ammo in their back pocket... We know they're coming at them." [43:45]

• Ben Pickman underscores the historical significance:

  "No team has ever come back in the WNBA playoffs from a 20 deficit." [43:45]

As the series progresses, the Liberty faces the daunting task of overcoming a formidable Aces team that has demonstrated exceptional skill and cohesion.

Notable Quotes

• Zena Keita:

  "From the very start of the game, maybe even in pre-game as they were warming up... the Aces just came out firing." [06:43]

• Ben Pickman:

  "LinkedIn Sales Navigator is more than just a tool, it's your strategic sales partner." [Outside main content at 02:01]

• Zena Keita:

  "Nothing's working. We didn't execute anything that we wanted to." [28:16]

• Ben Pickman:

  "Jackie Young... has been phenomenal for two straight games." [40:07]

Final Thoughts

The Las Vegas Aces' command over the series highlights their championship caliber, while the New York Liberty's potential lies in their ability to adapt and rally from significant deficits. As the Finals continue, fans can expect high-stakes basketball action, strategic battles, and standout performances from elite athletes aiming for glory.

Stay tuned for the next episode after Game Three, where Zena Keita and Ben Pickman will provide further analysis and updates on the WNBA Finals.