Going into the 2023 WNBA Finals rematch, both the Liberty and Aces knew each team would go on their respective runs.
It’s natural to expect with two superteam rosters.
Sandy Brondello was ready for a “chess game,” and Las Vegas head coach Becky Hammon still expected the Liberty to play like the “pissed off team” seeking their vengeance for last year’s ending — just a round earlier in the semifinals.
Game 1 win on Sept. 29. Michelle Farsi for the NY Post
Despite the Aces walking into Barclays Center wearing A’ja Wilson jerseys in support of the 2024 MVP, the Liberty’s Big 3 of Jonquel Jones, Sabrina Ionescu and Breanna Stewart were the MVPs of Game 1 on Sunday, delivering the first punch in the best-of-five series against Las Vegas with an 87-77 win.
The third quarter saw Liberty get into some trouble after successfully holding the lead over the Aces for the entirety of the game.
Stewart earned her fourth foul with 33.2 seconds.
win on Sept. 29. Michelle Farsi for the NY Post
The Liberty needed to look more to Ionescu and Jones in the final quarter after fueling Stewart’s night of 34 points.
Ionescu did just that by finishing with 21 points, while Jones helped contain Wilson.