The Las Vegas Aces faced a challenging road to a three-peat. With a tough semifinal matchup against the top-seeded New York Liberty, the Aces were determined to make history. However, their journey came to an end when they lost Game 4 to the Liberty 76-62, resulting in a 3-1 series loss.
New York advanced to the WNBA Finals for the sixth time, setting up a showdown with the winner of the Minnesota vs. Connecticut semifinal. Despite falling short of a championship last year, the Liberty dominated the Aces this season, winning six out of their seven matchups.
Aces coach Becky Hammon acknowledged the Liberty’s season-long excellence, recognizing their deserving victory. Two-time MVP Breanna Stewart echoed the sentiment, emphasizing that the team had not accomplished anything yet, despite their impressive performance.
The Aces struggled to keep up with the Liberty in Game 4, particularly in the fourth quarter, where New York outscored them 23-11. Despite A’ja Wilson’s strong offensive effort, the guards’ inefficiency and poor shooting from beyond the arc hindered the team’s performance.
Hammon reflected on her team’s season, which was marked by challenges both on and off the court. From injuries to off-court controversies, the Aces faced numerous obstacles throughout the year. Despite these difficulties, they rallied towards the end of the regular season, entering the playoffs with a strong performance.
Following their elimination from the playoffs, the Aces expressed disappointment but also pride in their efforts. Gray highlighted the team’s resilience and determination, emphasizing their desire to win a championship. Wilson echoed the sentiment, acknowledging the pain of falling short but remaining proud of the team’s collective effort.
Looking ahead, the Liberty are determined to make the most of their opportunity in the Finals. With a revamped roster and improved chemistry, they are focused on securing a different outcome this time around. Ionescu emphasized the team’s growth and togetherness, crediting their battles against the Aces for making them a better team.
As the Liberty prepare for the Finals, they are motivated to capitalize on their momentum and secure a championship. Despite the challenges they faced last year, the team is focused on rewriting their story and achieving their ultimate goal. With the support of their fans and the determination to succeed, the Liberty are ready to make history in the WNBA Finals.
