David Becker/NBAE via Getty Images
Nearly a year after the Las Vegas Aces ended their hopes for a WNBA championship, the New York Liberty returned the favor on Sunday.
The Liberty defeated the Aces 76-62 in Game 4 of the WNBA Semifinals to win the series 3-1 and reach the WNBA Finals for the second straight year. The loss ends Las Vegas’ bid for a third straight WNBA title.
Star guard Sabrina Ionescu led the way for New York with 22 points, seven rebounds, two assists and two steals. She connected on five of her eight three-pointers. Breanna Stewart added 19 points, 14 rebounds, five assists and four blocks, while Jonquel Jones had 14 points and six rebounds.
2024 WNBA MVP A’ja Wilson led the Aces with 19 points, 10 rebounds and five blocks, while Kelsey Plum added 17 points.
The Liberty entered the fourth quarter with just a two-point lead before outscoring the Aces 23-11 in the frame to put the game away.
Fans on social media were excited by New York’s big win over its rival on Sunday:
DJ Sixsmith @DJ_Sixsmith
Sabrina Ionescu is the biggest reason why the Liberty knocked the Aces out of the playoffs. Sab had 20 or more points in all three wins in the series and knocked down 5 triples today. The Lib have a real shot to win their first title ever #WNBApic.twitter.com/rIKwRkOuty
The Liberty await the winner of the second WNBA semifinal series between the Minnesota Lynx and Connecticut Sun. The Lynx hold a 2-1 lead entering Sunday’s Game 4.
New York will return to action in Game 1 of the WNBA Finals on Thursday.
