Discussion has centered around these two teams since the season tipped off, so it’s no surprise The Las Vegas Aces compete against the New York Liberty in a battle of the superteams to take home the 2023 title. New York hasn’t seen a final since 2002, after losing in a sweep against the Los Angeles Sparks, they have yet to win a championship. On the other hand, Las Vegas is trying to become the first team to win back-to-back titles since Los Angeles Sparks in 2001 and 2002. 

Las Vegas Aces delivered an energetic Game 1 victory this past Oct. 8. They successfully defeated New York Liberty for a final score of 99-82. Aces dynamic players Jackie Young, Kelsey Plum, and Chelsea Gray scored 72 out of their 99 points. Young made five 3-pointers, Plum scored 26 points, and Gray scored 20 points and nine assists. Liberty did not go out without a fight, five players scored in double figures. This season’s league MVP, Breanna Stewart, guided the Liberty with 21 points, Jonquel Jones totaled 16 points and 10 rebounds, and Marine Johannes came off the bench to score 14. But unfortunately for them, it was not enough to secure the win. 

Aces continued to dominate the court during Game 2 on Oct. 11 where they crushed Liberty in a 104-76 point game. The Aces put a 19-2 lead within just four minutes of the game, immediately not looking too good for opposing team, Liberty. At this point, the stakes were high considering if Liberty lost this game they would have to win Game 3 in order not to be knocked out. 

They did in fact secure a win for Game 3 to stay in the finals, in front of a huge, Liberty record-breaking sellout crowd of 17,143 at Barclays Center, NY. Liberty finally defeated the Aces, 87-73, forcing a Game 4 in the finals. This was quite the victory considering it was their first Finals win since former player Teresa Weatherspoon’s half-court shot in Game 2 of the 1999 WNBA finals. It also marks the team’s first Finals win at home in franchise history. The Aces suffered a massive loss after point guard Chelsea Gray injured her left foot during the game. If Gray’s injury wasn’t enough, starting center Kiah Stokes also appears to be battling with a foot injury. For Game 4 The Aces will be at a loss of two star players. 

At Game 4, the Aces defeated Liberty 70-69. The Aces became the first team to be back-to-back champions in 21 years, receiving 24 points and 16 rebounds from A’ja Wilson. The Aces joined the Los Angeles Sparks (2001-2002) and the Houston Comets (1997-2000) as the only teams in WNBA history to win consecutive champion titles. 

“It was exhilarating to watch the finals this year because of all the energy both teams brought and it was cool to see Las Vegas Aces make such remarkable history for the WNBA,” sophomore Zaina Khan said. 

This was an incredible win for the Aces that will go down in WNBA history. The next question is, will the Aces be able to come back next season to win a third consecutive championship title?