As this exciting WNBA season is wrapping up, the Las Vegas Aces and the New York Liberty have proven themselves to be the most resilient and toughest teams in the league. The Las Vegas Aces, led by A’ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum, are looking to become back-to-back champions, while the New York Liberty, led by reigning MVP, Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu, are looking to capture the team’s first championship in franchise history.
Both teams have worked hard to reach their position in the 27th season league finals, and now they will face off against each other in a best-of-five series to crown the 2022-23 WNBA champions! Here’s what to know and expect before this year’s WNBA Finals!
Coming into this season as the defending champs, the Las Vegas Aces had high hopes for their team this season as they were looking to repeat their championship success from the previous year. Led by the former two time “MVP” A’ja Wilson and reigning “Finals MVP” Chelsea Gray, this looked to be an easy task for the club as the Aces finished (1) in their conference and (1) in the entire WNBA with a record of 34-6. Their star player A’ja Wilson averaged 22.8 PPG, 9.5 RPG, and 1.6 APG for the Aces this season. Wilson would also be awarded the “Defensive Player of the Year” award as she averaged 1.4 SPG and 2.2 BPG. She would have plenty of help from Kelsey Plum, who averaged 18.7 PPG, and Chelsea Gray who averaged 15.3 PPG.
On the other half of the court are the New York Liberty, led by the reigning “MVP” Breanna Stewart, who averaged 23 PPG, 9.3 RBG, and 3.8 APG for the team. Along with star players, Sabrina Ionescu who averaged 17 PPG, and Betnijah Laney who averaged 12.8 PPG, the Liberty were able to secure the (1) spot in their conference and (2) in the entire WNBA with a record of 32-8, only a few games behind the Las Vegas Aces. Coming into this season the Liberty were ready to take the final steps to reach a spot in the finals after falling short the last few years. The club was in a finals drought coming into this season, though they saw early success as they made it to the finals in 1999, 2000, and 2002, but they haven’t hoisted the championship trophy ever in franchise history. This year they are looking to change their narrative.
In the first round of the playoffs, the Aces would face the Chicago Sky, led by Kahleah Copper. The Aces would sweep the Sky, beating them 2-0. On the other side of the WNBA, the Liberty would sweep the Washington Mystics 2-0. The Mystics were led by Elena Delle Donne. With these wins the Liberty and Aces would advance to the semi-finals. The Dallas Wings, led by Arike Ogunbowale, would meet the Aces in the fight for a championship spot. Once again the Aces would pull off another sweep, beating the Wings 3-0. Meanwhile, the Liberty would face the Connecticut Suns, who were led by DeWanna Bonner. In a closer series, the Liberty would beat the Sun 3-1.
Both teams have worked hard to reach their spot in the finals, but only one can be crowned as the WNBA champions. The New York Liberty have finally crushed their playoff woes and they have a chance to win the WNBA Finals for the first time in 21 years, but they have to go through the best team in the league first. For the Aces, they are one step closer to becoming the first team to win back-to-back championships since 2002.
Whether the Las Vegas Aces or the New York Liberty win, this is sure to be an exciting finals series between these two teams. You can catch the first game of the WNBA Finals on Sunday, October 8th at 3:00 EDT on ABC. The rest of the WNBA Finals will be broadcasted on ABC or ESPN. Let the best team win!