LAS VEGAS — The New York Liberty has been waiting for this for nearly 12 months. From the moment Courtney Vandersloot's jumper misfired with just seconds left in Game 4 of the 2023 Finals, the Liberty was chasing revenge as a chance to make up for the loss and tie the game against the Las Vegas Aces.
“Remember that feeling,” coach Sandy Brondello said at the beginning of the series. “That's in the past. But we don't forget how we felt in that moment. So if you need motivation, remember how you felt after Game 4.”
The chance for redemption came one round earlier than expected, leaving New York with the final prize still out of reach. But after spending the past few weeks saying he hasn't accomplished anything, Liberty achieved one goal on Sunday. In other words, he dethroned the two-time defending champion.
This was personal for New York, referencing the ace's trash talk after winning the 2023 title. Liberty would have to win three more games for this season to be considered a success, considering they already reached the finals a year ago, but emotions were flowing nonetheless.
“I have receipts for what was said, and the whole team has them,” Brianna Stewart said.
Despite suffering a loss this time last year, Stewart led the way in the encore with 19 points, 14 rebounds, five assists and four blocks. In Sunday's tense and rhythmic Game 4, New York held off the Aces all afternoon, pulling away with a 16-2 run in the fourth quarter to win 76-62 and clinch the semifinal series. The Liberty reached the WNBA Finals for the sixth time in franchise history, but the Aces missed out on the title for the first time since Becky Hammon took over as coach.
New York entered Michelob Ultra Arena and took this game from the home team. After Jackie Young opened the game with a 3-pointer, Liberty went on a 10-0 run and never trailed again. The Aces came close to a one-point lead several times, but were never able to get over the hump. Whether it was Jonquel Jones sinking a 3-pointer, Vandersloot driving to the basket, or Stewart hitting impossible runners with his endless arms, New York's veterans always found a way to end the rally. .
There's some movement in the slot! 🏃♀️ Big bucket from her as she powers towards the rim.
NYL led by 8 points in the 4th quarter.
📺 ABC's Liberty Ace | #WNBAPlayoffs Presented by @google pic.twitter.com/2D3KiCOavp
— WNBA (@WNBA) October 6, 2024
Liberty's length terrified Las Vegas all night long, and the Aces even saw shadows on open shots. Young didn't hit another basket the rest of the night — her only chance came in a half-court swell after the third-quarter buzzer — and Las Vegas was on the field. He made 21 of 64 shots on goal, including 3 shots, and 7 of 30 shots. Three of those shots came in the final 3 minutes and 20 seconds, when the Aces were already trailing by 14 points and couldn't make it in time to make a comeback. At that point, the home fans were making their way out of the building with New York fans behind the bench cheering their return to the Finals.
Before the series started, Las Vegas acknowledged that Liberty had been the best team all year, and Hammon reiterated that after the game.
“Their group earned it, and they've won it all year long,” Hammon said. “(That) team was put together to beat us, and they did that.”
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(Photo: Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
