LAS VEGAS (AP) — The Liberty’s victory over the Aces in a 76-62 game was a long-awaited moment, considering the revenge they sought for their loss in last year’s WNBA Finals.
However, this win is just a step towards their ultimate goal. The Liberty are now three victories away from potentially winning the championship, with home-court advantage in the upcoming finals series against either the Connecticut Sun or Minnesota Lynx starting on Thursday.
Breanna Stewart expressed the team’s determination, stating, “We went to the finals last year but we didn’t do anything significant.”
Despite the satisfaction of beating the Aces, the focus remains on the title that narrowly slipped away last year. The Liberty’s history of close calls in the finals against teams like the Houston Comets and Los Angeles Sparks adds to the pressure and motivation for success this season.
Securing the series in four games against Las Vegas gives New York valuable rest time, with the Sun and Lynx competing in a decisive Game 5 on Tuesday, followed by a quick turnaround for the winner to travel for the finals.
Stewart highlighted the demanding playoff schedule, emphasizing the importance of rest and preparation in such a condensed timeframe.
The atmosphere at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center, with its enthusiastic crowds and celebrity spectators like Spike Lee, adds to the excitement as the Liberty advance to the finals.
Stewart voiced her hopes for a sold-out arena, acknowledging the impact of home-court advantage in the intense environment of playoff basketball.
As the anticipation builds for the finals, the Liberty aim to turn their aspirations into reality this year.
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