Game Recap: Aces 70, Liberty 69

The Aces emerged victorious in Game 4, defeating the Liberty with a close score of 70-69, ultimately winning the WNBA Finals by 3-1. A standout performance by Aja Wilson, who scored 24 points and grabbed 16 rebounds, propelled the Aces to victory. Jackie Young contributed 16 points and seven assists, while Cayla George added 11 points, four rebounds, and three assists, combining for 27 points in the game. On the opposing team, Courtney Vandersloot led the way for the Liberty with 19 points, seven rebounds, and six assists. Sabrina Ionescu and Breanna Stewart also played well, totaling 23 points together. Aja Wilson was deservedly named the Finals MVP, having averaged 21.3 points per game, 12.5 rebounds per game, and 1.3 blocks per game on an impressive 50% shooting percentage throughout the series.

Video Transcript

[MUSIC PLAYING]

– The WNBA Finals have reached an intense stage, with both teams aiming to claim the ultimate prize. The Las Vegas Aces, currently holding the advantage with a 2-1 lead, are eager to secure back-to-back championship victories. However, they face the New York Liberty without two of their starters.

Kicking off with A’ja Wilson’s powerful drive to the basket for an easy layup, followed by an exquisite Jackie Young three-pointer resulting from excellent ball movement, the Aces burst onto the court, establishing a 7-3 lead. The Las Vegas team is well on their way to winning the coveted championship. Nevertheless, the New York Liberty, led by the impressive Courtney Vandersloot, unleash a remarkable run, with Vandersloot knocking down a triple to contribute to their 6-point lead.

Vegas’s resilience shines through as A’ja Wilson showcases her skills by driving through the defense, finishing with a layup and drawing a foul. She converts the free throw successfully. Wilson’s speed also grants her an opportunity to score another layup, accumulating a remarkable 24 points and 16 rebounds in a truly dominant performance.

The New York Liberty, however, conclude the first half strongly. Betnijah Laney assists Jonquel Jones, resulting in a smooth layup. At halftime, the Liberty hold a 9-point lead. The third quarter presents an impressive comeback from the Aces, with Cayla George knocking down a three-pointer and A’ja Wilson showcasing her mid-range skills with a well-executed jumper.

Late in the third quarter, Jackie Young finds Alysha Clark for an impressive layup, stunningly resulting in a tied scoreline of 51 points each. The fourth quarter becomes a continuation of Las Vegas’s dominance as A’ja Wilson finishes yet another layup with finesse, followed by Jackie Young’s corner three-pointer. Young accumulated 16 points in total.

With less than nine minutes left on the clock, New York stages a comeback, led by Betnijah Laney’s impressive moves and Sabrina Ionescu’s momentum-shifting three-pointer. The Liberty narrow Las Vegas’s lead down to only two points. Nevertheless, the Aces swiftly regain control as Jackie Young executes a beautiful step-through move, extending their lead once again with less than two and a half minutes remaining. A’ja Wilson adds to their advantage by hitting a fadeaway jumper, resulting in a six-point lead with less than a minute and a half on the clock.

The New York Liberty valiantly fight back yet again as Courtney Vandersloot knocks down a crucial three-pointer from the wing. Then, Sabrina Ionescu exhibits her skills by driving, pulling up, and sinking a jumper, bringing the game within one point.

Following a pivotal block by Jonquel Jones, the New York Liberty have one final chance to secure the win and force a decisive game 5. However, Betnijah Laney, upon receiving the pass from Breanna Stewart, finds Courtney Vandersloot in the corner, who fails to convert a heavily contested three-point shot. Las Vegas emerges as the victor, triumphing with a slim one-point margin of 70-69. A’ja Wilson is crowned the WNBA Finals MVP in recognition of her exceptional contributions.