Cut off Ace’s 3-consecutive dream of winning the first championship in New York’s free manpower team history_1

The New York Liberty, boasting the best regular season record in the league, faced off against the Las Vegas Aces on the 6th and secured a decisive 76-62 victory. With this win, the Liberty advanced to the finals with a series record of 3 wins and 1 loss, avenging last year’s finals defeat and continuing their quest for the championship.

Sabrina Ionescu, the team’s star shooter, showcased her skills with an impressive performance, sinking 5 of 8 three-point attempts to score 22 points and grab 7 rebounds. Meanwhile, Breanna Stewart contributed significantly with 19 points, 14 rebounds, 5 assists, and 4 blocks, helping to thwart the Aces’ hopes of a three-peat.

In her post-game remarks, Ionescu reflected on their journey, stating, “The Aces made us a better team.” Last season, during the championship series, the Aces narrowly defeated the Liberty in Game 4 by just one point, becoming the first team to secure back-to-back titles since the Los Angeles Sparks in 2002.

A’ja Wilson, the Aces’ star player, managed to score 19 points along with 10 rebounds and 5 blocks, but unfortunately, the team saw their home playoff winning streak come to an end at 12 games. They also missed the chance to become the first franchise since the now-defunct Houston Comets to achieve three consecutive championships; the Comets notably won four straight titles from 1997 to 2000.

In another matchup, the Connecticut Sun defeated the Minnesota Lynx by 10 points, leveling their series at 2-2, setting the stage for a decisive Game 5 for a spot in the finals.

This marks the sixth time the New York Liberty have made it to the championship series, but they’ve come up short in the previous five attempts. With a strong lineup this year, they are determined to capture their first title in franchise history.