WNBA Champ Admits NY Liberty Got a Taste of Their Own Medicine After Ending A’ja Wilson & LV Aces’ Dominance

As the back-to-back champions, the Las Vegas Aces were the talk of the town this season. However, the unexpected 1-3 defeat in the 2023 Finals left the New York Liberty thirsty for more. Starting the series with a 4-1 lead, the intensity was palpable, and Jonquel Jones described it as a new experience on familiar ground.

In a recent episode of ‘Kickin’ it with Dee’, Jones recounted her matchup against A’ja Wilson and the defending champions. She emphasized the intensity and physicality of playing against them, stating that it’s a tough but eagerly anticipated challenge. The Liberty, too, experienced this physicality in their encounters this year.

“The Aces team, being the top dog for so long, were hunted by every team this year,” she remarked.

The Aces’ season did not go as planned, with more losses in the first half (8) compared to the entire previous season (6). The Liberty became the new focus with their standout record and performance, attracting attention from other teams.

Jones admitted, “We felt that a lot this year too. Being like a newer team with so much success last year. Like their teams… they’ll have five really bad games, they play against us like they playing All-Star.” The Liberty faced the pressure but secured a 76-62 victory against the Aces, proving their discipline and determination.

Even Becky Hammon admits.

Before coaching the Aces, Hammon was familiar with overcoming losses and making comebacks. She compared the Liberty’s journey to her experience with the San Antonio Spurs, highlighting the importance of hard work and discipline in bouncing back from setbacks.

According to Hammon, the Liberty’s loss last year fueled their determination to succeed. General Manager Jonathan Kolb acknowledged their resolve after acquiring key players.

Jones was named Finals MVP for her impressive performance, showcasing her talent with 17.8 points and 7.6 rebounds on average. Despite the rivalry, both teams hold mutual respect for each other, setting the stage for future playoff matchups.