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Get ready for the clash of the superteams once again, but this time in the WNBA semifinals. The top-seeded New York Liberty will face off against the Las Vegas Aces in a best-of-five series starting at Barclays Center on Sunday (3 p.m. ET, ABC). Both teams have returned their starting lineups from the 2023 WNBA Finals, where Vegas emerged victorious. With stronger and deeper benches, both franchises are looking to make history.
The Aces are aiming for a three-peat, a feat achieved only once in WNBA history by the Houston Comets. On the other hand, the Liberty are still chasing their first championship after falling short in five previous Finals appearances. General manager Jonathan Kolb of the Liberty built a superteam by adding All-Stars Breanna Stewart, Jonquel Jones, and Courtney Vandersloot through free agency in 2023. Despite reaching the Finals for the first time since 2002, the Liberty fell just short in a heartbreaking Game 4.
The Aces, with three consecutive No. 1 draft picks in their lineup, are a tough opponent. Guard Kelsey Plum, in particular, mentioned that the Liberty have improved significantly since last year, making them a formidable opponent.
When it comes to starpower, the Aces-Liberty matchup is filled to the brim with it. Both teams have multiple MVP candidates and former No. 1 draft picks in their ranks. Players like A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart, who recently led Team USA to a gold medal, will go head-to-head in what promises to be an intense series.
As the series progresses, defense is expected to play a crucial role. The Aces’ defensive prowess was a key factor in their success last season, and they will need to bring that same level of intensity against the Liberty this time around. On the other hand, the Liberty’s defensive skills have kept them ahead in previous matchups, setting the stage for an exciting clash of styles.
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