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The New York Liberty are heading back to the WNBA Finals, putting an end to the Las Vegas Aces' reign as champions. With a hard-fought 76-62 victory on Sunday, the Liberty punched their ticket to the Finals for the second consecutive year, earning sweet revenge after last season's loss to the Aces in the championship series.
After falling to Las Vegas in the 2023 WNBA Finals, the Liberty entered this year's playoffs with one goal: to claim their first-ever title. In a gritty Game 4 at Michelob ULTRA Arena, they did just that by outlasting the defending champions. The game was a grind, particularly in the second half, but the Liberty's poise and composure under pressure made all the difference.
Despite foul trouble for key players Jonquel Jones and Leonie Fiebich, who both sat with four fouls entering the final quarter, and Courtney Vandersloot managing three fouls, the Liberty were able to rally. They executed a flawless fourth quarter, committing no turnovers and starting with a 7-0 run. Star guard Sabrina Ionescu stepped up big, sinking her fifth three-pointer of the game to help extend New York's lead to double digits.
Ionescu's bounceback and steady leadership
Sabrina Ionescu had been quiet in Game 3, scoring only four points. But Sunday's showdown was a different story, as she bounced back in a big way, leading her team with 22 points on 5-of-8 shooting from beyond the arc. Her timely shooting, paired with Breanna Stewart's 19 points and 14 rebounds, set the tone for the Liberty on both ends of the floor.
New York's defense was stellar, holding the Aces to just 32% shooting from the field. A'ja Wilson, the star for Las Vegas, finished with 19 points and 10 rebounds but couldn't overcome New York's defensive pressure. The Aces, who had set a league record with 12 consecutive playoff wins, couldn't find their rhythm, allowing the Liberty to close out the series.
A new champion awaits
The Liberty's victory not only sends them back to the Finals but also ensures there will be a new WNBA champion crowned in 2024. With their balanced offense, lockdown defense, and veteran leadership, New York is now in a prime position to capture their long-awaited title.