In a highly anticipated Game 3 of the WNBA playoffs, the New York Liberty overcame not just the formidable Las Vegas Aces, but also a series of controversial officiating decisions that many believe were heavily tilted in favor of the defending champions. The Aces, who were expected to dominate, found themselves on the losing end despite appearing to benefit from a number of questionable calls throughout the game.

Betnijah Laney, one of the Liberty’s key defensive stoppers and a major contributor on both ends of the court, was almost neutralized by foul trouble early on. She picked up her fourth personal foul early in the third quarter—several of which were labeled as “phantom fouls” by fans and analysts alike. A pivotal player for the Liberty, Laney’s ability to guard the Aces’ MVP candidate A’ja Wilson was severely compromised. Yet, despite the officiating woes, the Liberty managed to hold their ground and secure a critical win, keeping their championship aspirations alive.

Questionable Calls Spark Outrage

The whistle seemed to favor the Aces throughout the night. Laney, who has been a cornerstone of New York’s playoff run, was hit with multiple questionable fouls. At one point, she was whistled for a foul when she appeared to be nowhere near the action, while the Aces were allowed to engage in physical defensive tactics with few repercussions.

On the other end of the court, the Aces, led by Kelsey Plum and Chelsea Gray, appeared to benefit from lenient officiating. In one particularly glaring sequence, Plum was seen bear-hugging a Liberty player in what should have been a clear foul. However, the referees allowed the play to continue, leaving the Liberty and their fans frustrated.

Analysts pointed out several instances where Las Vegas players were allowed to play with excessive physicality without the whistle being blown. While it’s normal for playoff basketball to get more physical, the disparity in calls between the two teams became a major storyline as the game unfolded.

A viral moment came when one analyst counted no fewer than eight fouls committed by the Aces during one defensive possession, none of which were called. Fans took to social media to express their disbelief, with many suggesting that the referees were actively trying to sway the outcome in favor of the Aces. The game even prompted comparisons to Michael Jordan’s iconic number 23, with one referee being nicknamed “MJ” for his seemingly outsized influence on the game’s narrative.

Liberty’s Resilience Shines Through

Despite the seemingly unfair calls, the Liberty showed remarkable resilience. Jonquel Jones and Laney, two of New York’s most versatile players, both faced extended minutes on the bench due to foul trouble. Even so, the Liberty’s defense remained stout, and Sabrina Ionescu and Breanna Stewart stepped up when it mattered most. Ionescu’s playmaking and Stewart’s scoring kept the Liberty afloat during critical moments, while the team’s bench contributed valuable minutes to stave off the Aces’ attacks.

Laney, who has been shooting 50% from three-point range during the playoffs, still managed to score 11 points and was a game-high +28 when on the court. Her presence, particularly on defense, was vital in limiting the Aces’ scoring options, and her plus-minus showed how crucial she was to the Liberty’s success. Similarly, Jones posted a +20, further emphasizing how essential both players are to New York’s championship hopes.

In contrast, the Aces, despite receiving what many felt was the benefit of the doubt from the officials, couldn’t capitalize. A’ja Wilson, Kelsey Plum, and Chelsea Gray were all given more leeway than expected, but even with these advantages, the team failed to take control of the game. Their frustration was evident, particularly in the later stages when physical play from the Aces escalated as they tried to wrestle the game back.

Aces Crumble Under Pressure

As the game progressed, it became clear that even with favorable officiating, the Aces couldn’t match the Liberty’s determination. In a particularly telling moment, Plum shoved Courtney Vandersloot, causing her to fall to the ground while holding the ball. Instead of calling a foul on Plum, the referees shockingly called a travel on Vandersloot, leading to more frustration from the Liberty’s side. Moments like these highlighted the discrepancy in officiating, but the Liberty continued to stay focused and refused to let the calls dictate the outcome.

The Aces, for their part, seemed to unravel in Game 3. Known for their dominance throughout the season, they struggled to adjust when the Liberty refused to back down. Their frustrations culminated in more aggressive physical play, but that only seemed to galvanize the Liberty even further. While Game 2 had been more evenly officiated, Game 3’s whistle-heavy approach clearly favored the Aces—yet, it still wasn’t enough.

What Lies Ahead

The Liberty’s victory sends a clear message: they are not to be underestimated, even when the odds are stacked against them. Game 3 showed that they can win under pressure and against adversity, not only from their opponents but from the officials as well. This victory puts the pressure squarely back on the Aces as the series moves forward, with the Liberty gaining crucial momentum.

With the WNBA Finals on the line, fans and players alike are bracing for more high-intensity matchups. The officiating will undoubtedly remain a hot topic, but the Liberty have proven that they can overcome even the toughest challenges. For the Aces, it’s a wake-up call that no amount of favorable whistles will guarantee a win, especially against a team as resilient and talented as the New York Liberty.

As the series heads into its next chapter, all eyes will be on how the Aces respond to the loss and whether the refereeing will once again become a focal point. But for now, the Liberty have the upper hand, and their determination to rise above adversity has made them a true championship contender.

4o