Sarah Stier

The Las Vegas Aces have clinched their second consecutive WNBA championship.

Despite all-star Chelsea Gray and forward Kiah Stokes both being sidelined due to foot injuries they suffered in game three, the Aces showed just how powerful of a team they are. It was A’ja Wilson who managed to put the team on her back, as she ended with a game-high 24 points, tallying 16 rebounds as they presented her with the WNBA Finals MVP.

This incredible recognition has been added to her stacked resume. The five-time All-Star was also named 2023 Defensive Player of the Year, as she and the rest of her squad closed out a game that included a mounted comeback from being down 12 points to secure a one-point victory over the New York Liberty. While this gave the Aces another ring, they also made history. It has been since the years 2001 and 2002 that a WNBA team has won back-to-back championships.

“This one’s sweeter,” head coach Becky Hammon said. “Repeating is hard to do. We went from darling to villain real quick.”

This game was surely something to see, as the third quarter’s opening moments set the tone for the intense matchup and were the key storyline. Sabrina Ionescu opened the quarter with a long-range shot.

The Aces’ Cayla George stepped up big-time with back-to-back 3-pointers that ignited the Aces’ offense as they went on a 9-0 run. While they showed good signs of offense, it was their collective defense as a whole that was a major turning point.

They contained Breanna Stewart to just 10 points, shooting only 3-of-17. In the final quarter, the intensity struck even more. Jackie Young showcased her skills with a spin move to the basket, while Wilson’s dominant presence was felt inside. The game remained tight as it was all knotted up at 62 with less than four minutes left in the game.

Kelsey Plum was fouled, and her free throws provided the Aces with a slim lead. New York was still in the hunt, as they eventually trailed by one point. In the game’s final moments, with 8.8 seconds left, the Liberty needed to regroup as they called a timeout.

The play was set up for Ionescu to inbound the ball to find Breanna Stewart, but Stewart had to give it up as there was nothing she could do with Alysha Clark on her.

The ball ended up in Courtney Vandersloot’s hands as she tried to force a corner three, but it didn’t fall. As the buzzer went off, the Aces became back-to-back WNBA champions, and the rest of the Aces bench ran to the middle of the court in a state of uncontrolled excitement as they prepared to get ready to hold up the trophy on the New York Liberty’s home court.

The Aces’ depth and versatility allowed them to adjust to any situation. This team’s chemistry was apparent on the court, where selfless play and teamwork became the blueprint. The Aces, led by their indomitable star player and MVP, Wilson, were the difference-maker and an inspirational force throughout the finals. Her leadership and scoring ability were instrumental in leading the Aces to victory.

“We fought through so much adversity, and we kept the main thing the main thing, and we came on top, and I can’t express how proud I am of my teammates. They picked me up when I was down — we cried together, prayed together, and now we poppin’ champagne together,” Wilson said.

With a 3-2 series win over the New York Liberty, the Aces have made it known that they are one of the most dominant WNBA teams. This astonishing achievement was an indication of a journey that has been nothing short of smooth sailing.