The Las Vegas Aces Secure Consecutive WNBA Titles for the First Time in Over Two Decades, Defeating the New York Liberty 70-69 in Game 4

A’ja Wilson and the Las Vegas Aces etched their names into the annals of WNBA greatness by becoming the first team in 21 years to secure back-to-back championships. The Aces achieved this feat with a narrow 70-69 victory over the New York Liberty in Game 4 of the Finals on a Wednesday evening. Wilson delivered an exemplary performance, contributing 24 points and 16 rebounds, as well as a crucial defensive play in the game’s waning moments.

“It’s an exceptional accomplishment, as many would acknowledge,” Wilson stated. “The rarity of the occasion and achieving it with a depleted roster only amplifies the significance of this victory. It’s an arduous journey just to return to the Finals, let alone win it again.”

This accomplishment places the Aces alongside the Los Angeles Sparks (2001-2002) and the Houston Comets (1997-2000) as the only teams in the history of the league to win consecutive championships.

The Aces managed this feat despite missing key starters Chelsea Gray and Kiah Stokes, both of whom sustained foot injuries during Game 3. Gray, the Finals MVP of 2022, remained an encouraging presence for her team from the sidelines. Additionally, the Aces were without the services of veteran Candace Parker, who underwent foot surgery in late July.

“We’ve navigated challenges throughout the season, operating without various players…We’re a team of resilient professionals,” noted Alysha Clark, who was inserted into the starting lineup that Wednesday. “Our ability to withstand adversity and remain committed is indicative of our team chemistry.”

Head Coach Becky Hammon described this squad as the most cohesive unit she has ever managed. The whole team appeared at the post-match press conference, punctuating each response, particularly Wilson’s—who finished third in the regular-season MVP voting—with applause.

As the game reached its climax tied at 64, the Aces pulled ahead with six consecutive points, with Jackie Young accounting for the first four, leading 70-64 with 1 minute and 26 seconds remaining. New York’s Courtney Vandersloot responded with a three-pointer and then stole the ball, which eventually led to a jumper by Sabrina Ionescu, narrowing the gap to one point with 41.7 seconds on the clock.

In the next possession, Las Vegas let the shot clock wind down before Hammon called a timeout with 3 seconds remaining. A subsequent lob pass to Wilson was blocked by Breanna Stewart, giving New York a final opportunity to turn the game around. Following a timeout with 8.8 seconds left, the Liberty’s final shot missed the mark, sealing the Aces’ victory.

Liberty coach Sandy Brondello reflected on the final moments, saying, “The play was designed to get the ball to Stewart. Sometimes these plays are successful; sometimes they are not. We had our chance, but couldn’t capitalize.”

Vandersloot ended the game with 19 points, and Betnijah Laney contributed 15 points for New York.

Prior to the match, Hammon had expressed her strategy as “throwing everything but the kitchen sink” at the Liberty to see what would be effective. The Aces switched defensive strategies throughout, which appeared to disrupt New York, especially after they had scored 23 points in the first quarter.

Clark’s defensive work was particularly noticeable, as she held her former Seattle Storm teammate, Stewart, to just 10 points on 3-of-17 shooting. Cayla George, who was also placed in the starting lineup, contributed 11 points.

The preceding games between these two teams had not been closely contested, with all four regular-season matches ending in lopsided victories. The first three games of the Finals followed suit, including New York’s 87-73 win in Game 3 to avoid elimination.

The tension in Game 4 was palpable, evidenced by Ionescu’s visible stress, as she was seen vomiting into a waste bin during a timeout. Despite this, she continued to participate in the game.

With this loss, the New York Liberty’s all-time Finals record drops to 2-10. Teams that have been down 0-2 in best-of-five series in the Finals have lost all nine series.

Celebrity Spectators

The game drew a considerable celebrity attendance, including basketball legends Sue Bird and Dawn Staley. Staley, who is also the South Carolina coach, was seen enthusiastically supporting her former standout player, Wilson. Notable attendees also included Liberty Ring of Honor members Vickie Johnson and Sue Wicks, as well as actors Jennifer Connelly, Issa Rae, and Jason Sudeikis.

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• WNBA Official Website
• Las Vegas Aces Team Profile
• New York Liberty Team Profile
• Game 4 Finals Recap
• A’ja Wilson Player Profile
• Becky Hammon Coaching Profile
• WNBA Championship History
• Courtney Vandersloot Player Profile
• Betnijah Laney Player Profile
• WNBA Finals Statistics