Liberty’s season ends after 70-69 loss to Aces in Game 4 of WNBA Finals

The Las Vegas Aces made history by winning their second consecutive WNBA championship in 21 years, with A’ja Wilson leading the way with 24 points and 16 rebounds. The team clinched a thrilling 70-69 victory over the New York Liberty in Game 4 of the Finals on Wednesday night.

Joining the exclusive ranks of the Los Angeles Sparks (2001-02) and the Houston Comets (1997-2000), the Aces became only the third team in the league’s history to achieve back-to-back titles.

Impressively, Las Vegas achieved this feat without the key contributors Chelsea Gray and Kiah Stokes, who were both sidelined due to foot injuries sustained in Game 3. Despite their absence on the court, Gray, the 2022 WNBA Finals MVP, provided constant communication and encouragement to her teammates from the sideline.

This season, Wilson deservedly earned the MVP honors for her outstanding performances.

In a tightly contested game tied at 64, Jackie Young stepped up with four consecutive points, giving the Aces a 68-64 advantage with 2:04 remaining on the clock.

Determined to stay in the game, the Liberty’s Breanna Stewart attempted an open three-point shot, but it unfortunately rimmed out. Shortly after, Wilson showcased her skills with a tough turnaround shot, extending the Aces’ lead to 70-64 with just 1:26 left to play.

However, the Liberty fought back as Courtney Vandersloot sank a three-pointer on their next possession. Vandersloot then stole the ball from Kelsey Plum, setting up Sabrina Ionescu’s clutch foul-line jumper to narrow the deficit to one with 41.7 seconds remaining.

In a crucial moment, with the shot clock winding down, Las Vegas took a timeout with only 3 seconds left. Implementing a strategic lob, Coach Becky Hammon placed the ball in Wilson’s hands, but Stewart showcased her defensive prowess, blocking the shot and giving New York one final opportunity.

Following a timeout with 8.8 seconds remaining, the Liberty inbounded the ball to Stewart, who faced double-teaming from the Aces. The ball swung to Vandersloot in the corner, but her shot missed the mark, igniting a jubilant celebration from the Aces at midcourt.

Vandersloot had an impressive game, contributing 19 points, while Betnijah Laney added 15 for the New York team.