The New York Liberty defeated the defending champion Las Vegas Aces 87-76 on Tuesday, setting up a Thursday matchup against the Seattle Storm at Climate Pledge Arena.
New York enters the game with a 12-6 record, second in the Eastern Conference. Seattle holds a 3-15 record after an 11-game losing streak.
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The Storm lost 112-110 in overtime to the Dallas Wings on Monday, their fourth loss by five points or fewer in five games.
Storm center Dominique Malonga recorded a career-high 37 points and 12 rebounds in that loss.
"Coach just said, 'If you play like that every game from now on, there's going to be a different season for us,'" Malonga said.
First-year Seattle coach Sonia Raman praised her team's effort. "Proud of how they competed, their fight, their resilience," she said.
Natisha Hiedeman added 21 points and 11 assists, while Awa Fam and Zia Cooke each scored 18 points.
The Liberty defense held Las Vegas to 43 percent shooting using a 2-3 zone scheme, limiting the Aces to 32 points in the paint.
Breanna Stewart scored 15 of her 20 points in the second half. Sabrina Ionescu posted a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds.
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"We're obviously not a finished product," Liberty coach Chris DeMarco said. "But for now, I'm just super proud of the way we're sharing the ball."
Stewart leads New York averaging 19.4 points and 8.8 rebounds per game.
Jonquel Jones averages 14.2 points and 8.8 rebounds, shooting 46.3 percent from three-point range in June.
For Seattle, Malonga averages 17.3 points per game, and Hiedeman averages 15.6.
Liberty forward Satou Sabally is out with a concussion. Storm players Jordan Horston and Ezi Magbegor are sidelined with foot injuries.
The game is scheduled for 10 p. m.
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