‘You can’t build a superteam in a couple months’

The first year of the revamped Liberty proved to be a rollercoaster ride. They had a record-breaking number of wins, a player who won her second MVP award, and secured a high seed in the playoffs. However, their journey to the championship fell short when they faced off against the experienced Las Vegas Aces in the Finals.

The Aces’ young core, comprised of A’ja Wilson, Jackie Young, and Kelsey Plum, had been through many challenges and setbacks since 2019. In contrast, the Liberty’s newly built superteam had yet to face such adversity.

The Aces’ prowess was evident in the Finals, where they displayed exceptional teamwork and offensive skills. Their chemistry on the court was unmatched, with players like Chelsea Gray making incredible no-look passes and the guard trio finding the best shot opportunities.

Meanwhile, the Liberty struggled to find their rhythm, especially in crucial moments. The third quarter of Game 4 was particularly disastrous, as they allowed the Aces to take control and build a significant lead. The absence of a strong connection among the Liberty players was evident, as they failed to rely on their star player, Jonquel Jones, when Breanna Stewart was heavily guarded.

The Liberty’s lack of cohesion was further highlighted by their reckless plays and inability to collectively stop the Aces’ momentum. Betnijah Laney’s missed shot and subsequent collision with Alysha Clark exemplified the team’s individualistic approach to the game.

Despite the disappointment of the Finals loss, the Liberty can use this experience as a valuable lesson for the future. They have the opportunity to continue building chemistry and improve their performance in tense moments.

WNBA fines Liberty for media access violation

In addition to the on-court challenges, the Liberty organization has been fined $25,000 by the WNBA for violating postgame media interview rules. Several Liberty players, including Sabrina Ionescu, Betnijah Laney, and Jonquel Jones, refused to participate in postgame media availability after Game 4.

According to league policy, players are required to be available for interviews in an alternate location after the initial press conference. The league’s statement emphasized the importance of media access and adherence to the rules.