Aces edge Liberty to secure 2nd straight WNBA championship

LAS VEGAS ACES: 2023 WNBA CHAMPIONS, REPEAT TITLE

In a thrilling Game 4 victory over the New York Liberty, the Las Vegas Aces secured their place in history as the first repeat champions in the WNBA in over 20 years. Despite facing numerous challenges, including injuries and off-court distractions, the Aces emerged victorious with a 70-69 win to claim the 2023 WNBA championship.

Coach Becky Hammon expressed the team’s satisfaction with the hard-fought win, stating, “This one’s sweeter. It just is. It’s harder to do.” The Aces joined the elite company of the Houston Comets (1997-2000) and the Los Angeles Sparks (2001-02) as the only teams to win consecutive championships.

The Barclays Center was filled with anticipation as former Liberty greats and celebrities were in attendance, but it quickly turned into a Las Vegas celebration. Aces owner Mark Davis proudly lifted the championship trophy, and chants of “M-V-P” filled the air as Finals MVP A’ja Wilson was honored. Even amidst some boos from the remaining Liberty fans, reserve Sydney Colson confidently proclaimed, “Night night.”

The Aces overcame the absence of starting point guard Chelsea Gray and starting center Kiah Stokes, who had both suffered foot injuries in Game 3. This made them the first team in WNBA history to win a playoff game without multiple starters from the previous game. However, the Aces saw these obstacles as just another test of their resilience. The team’s chemistry and closeness allowed them to persevere and overcome the odds, resulting in a remarkable victory.

With Alysha Clark and Cayla George stepping up in the starting lineup, along with an impressive performance by Sydney Colson, the Aces mounted a comeback from a 12-point deficit. They entered the final quarter leading by two points and maintained their advantage despite a late rally from the Liberty. The Aces secured the championship with a defensive stop on the last play, clinching a one-point victory.

A’ja Wilson was the standout performer for the Aces, contributing 24 points and 16 rebounds. Her Finals MVP award added to her growing collection of trophies, which includes last season’s title, a national championship at South Carolina, gold medals with Team USA, and two league MVP awards. Wilson’s performance in the Finals-clinching win made her the first player in WNBA history to record at least 20 points and 15 rebounds in such a game. Jackie Young also made significant contributions with 16 points and seven assists.

The loss was disappointing for the New York Liberty, who fell to 0-2 in the best-of-five series. The Aces’ victory highlighted their dominance throughout the playoffs, as they dropped just one game and defeated the Liberty by a combined 45 points in their first two wins.

Becky Hammon, in just her second season as a head coach, has now won a WNBA title in each of her first two seasons, a feat achieved by only two other coaches in the WNBA or NBA. The Aces had high expectations after capturing the championship in 2022, and they fortified their roster in the offseason. Although they faced obstacles throughout the 2023 campaign, the Aces showcased their talent and resilience, cementing their status as one of the greatest teams in WNBA history.

With a core lineup of Wilson, Plum, Young, and Gray under contract for 2024, the Aces are poised to defend their title. The rest of the league should take note – the Aces are ready to continue their dominant run in the seasons to come.

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Rachel Adams

Rachel Adams is your WNBA insider, delivering comprehensive coverage of women’s basketball. With a commitment to highlighting the talent and achievements of WNBA players, she provides game analysis, player profiles, and inspiring stories from the league.