Las Vegas lost, 87-77, to New York in Game 1 this past Sunday in this WNBA semifinal playoff matchup.

The prideful two-time defending champion Aces won't go down 0-2 easily. Las Vegas stepped up its defense late in the season. The Aces held Seattle to an average of 71.5 points in their two-game playoff sweep of the Storm. That was 12 points below the Storm's season average.

The Liberty beat the Aces because they were exceptionally hot from the floor making 30 of their 60 field goal attempts for 50 percent shooting.

Even with the Liberty shooting lights out the combined score between the two teams was 164 points.

I don't see the Liberty shooting that well for a second straight game. New York does play strong defense. The Liberty ranked third in scoring defense and second in defensive field goal percentage.

Just like in the NBA, defensive intensity is stepped up in the WNBA playoffs. That will be the case here. Look Under.