LAS VEGAS (AP) — Sabrina Ionescu quickly bounced back from a rare off game to lead her Liberty team to victory over the Aces. Nearly a year after Las Vegas ended New York’s championship hopes, the Liberty returned the favor with a 76-62 win on Sunday, advancing to the WNBA Finals.
This win gives the top-seeded Liberty home-court advantage in the finals, where they will face either the Connecticut Sun or Minnesota Lynx. It’s the Liberty’s sixth trip to the finals, with the franchise still seeking its first title.
New York’s Breanna Stewart, who had 19 points and 14 rebounds, emphasized that the team is not satisfied yet. The Liberty turned last year’s defeat into motivation, going 6-1 against Las Vegas this season.
Ionescu acknowledged the Aces’ impact on their improvement as a team and the motivation they provided. The Aces’ celebration after winning last season fueled New York’s determination to win this year.
Despite a hard-fought game, the Aces were unable to continue their impressive playoff streak, losing to the Liberty. A’ja Wilson led the Aces with 19 points, but it wasn’t enough to secure the win.
For the Liberty, in addition to Ionescu and Stewart, Jonquel Jones and Leonie Fiebich also had strong performances. Kelsey Plum and Tiffany Hayes contributed double-digit points for the Aces.
New York’s dominance on the court, especially in rebounds, proved crucial in their victory over Las Vegas. Ionescu set the tone early in the game with a strong performance, leading the Liberty to a convincing win.
In another semifinal game, the Sun defeated the Lynx 92-82 to force a decisive Game 5. Alyssa Thomas and Ty Harris were instrumental in Connecticut’s victory, setting up a winner-take-all showdown on Tuesday.
The winner of the Sun vs. Lynx game will face the Liberty in the WNBA Finals, with both teams vying for their first championship. Harris, who returned to the starting lineup, made a significant impact with 20 points for the Sun.
Minnesota’s Napheesa Collier put up a strong effort with 29 points and 13 rebounds, but it wasn’t enough to secure the win. Both teams are now focused on the crucial Game 5 to determine who will advance to the finals against the Liberty.
It was a thrilling series of games with intense competition, setting the stage for an exciting WNBA Finals matchup. Both the Liberty and the teams competing for the final spot are eager to claim the championship title and make history in the league.
