The Las Vegas Aces have clinched their second WNBA championship in-a-row at the expense of the New York Liberty, but not before a tense defensive possession that nearly sent the championship series to a deciding Game 5.
THE FINAL SECONDS THAT CROWNED THE @LVACES BACK-TO-BACK CHAMPS 👑 pic.twitter.com/YhlV9rCzYb
— WNBA (@WNBA) October 19, 2023
During Game 4 at the Barclays Center on Wednesday, October 17, with just 8.8 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter and trailing by one point, the Liberty had possession of the ball, presenting an opportunity to steal the victory.
Liberty star Sabrina Ionescu inbounded the ball to the reigning WNBA Most Valuable Player, Breanna Stewart, who faced immense defensive pressure from Aces forward Alysha Clark.
As a result, Stewart passed the ball to forward Betnijah Laney, who kicked it out to the corner, creating a wide-open look for guard Courtney Vandersloot.
Unfortunately, the veteran guard overshot the game-winning attempt, airballing a three-pointer as the buzzer sounded, prompting celebration from Las Vegas players.
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Aces reach milestone not achieved in two decades
The Aces became the first team to repeat as WNBA champions in over 20 years since the Los Angeles Sparks won back-to-back in 2001 and 2002.
Aces forward A'ja Wilson was named WNBA Finals MVP for the first time in her career, marking a crowning moment after missing out on the season MVP by a few points to Stewart a month ago.
"We leaned on each other so much at this time. We fought through so much adversity throughout the season. ... We came out on top. I can't express how proud I am of my teammates," Wilson said.
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