Aces Coach Reveals What’s Really To Blame for WNBA Playoffs Loss vs. Liberty

The Las Vegas Aces are on the brink of getting eliminated in the playoffs after bowing to the New York Liberty, 88-84, in Game 2 of their best-of-five semifinals on Tuesday.

History isn’t on the side of the two-time defending champions, as no team has rallied from a 2-0 deficit to win a best-of-five series in the WNBA.

The frustration seemingly boiled over during a timeout when Aces coach Becky Hammon had what appeared to be a heated exchange with star guard Kelsey Plum.

After the game, Hammon didn’t hold back on criticizing their performance, lamenting that they allowed the Liberty to put on a “layup clinic.” New York shot close to 50% from the field.

She also acknowledged that they shot themselves in the foot.

“We understand that it’s mostly us,” Hammon said in a report from Las Vegas Sun’s Jack Williams. “The turnovers, we leave seven points on the free throw line.

“And it really was a one-point game, one-possession game, give or take. We got a couple of good cracks and missed, but it shouldn’t come to that point.”

They had a chance to tie the game at 84 with 10 seconds left but turned the ball over.

Las Vegas Aces guard Kelsey Plum drives past New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart.

Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

The 47-year-old Hammon was also not happy with their effort in Game 2 despite having five players in double digits, led by the 24 points of MVP center A’ja Wilson.

“We’re not doing what we need to do to win basketball games, not at a high enough level,” added Hammon, who failed to win a championship during her playing career. “It’s not good enough.”

Plum had a forgettable outing on Tuesday, scoring just six points on 2-of-9 shooting. She only played 27 minutes.

The Aces will look to extend the series in Game 3 on Friday.