Text with Madeline Kenney as she follows the Liberty — she’s sharing behind-the-scenes info and insights with Sports+ subscribers.

Two years ago, the Liberty and Aces were undoubtedly the two best teams in the WNBA and were destined to meet in the finals. 

Last year, when they were among the four best teams and top contenders again to win the championship, the Liberty beat the Aces in the semifinals before winning the franchise’s first title. 

Their rivalry was also intensified when the Aces won their second consecutive championship in 2023, on the Liberty’s home court, and threw shade at them in the process. 

Their status — and the standings — have certainly changed ahead of their matchup at Barclays Center on Tuesday night. The Liberty are wobbling. The Aces (5-5 in their past 10 games) are doing the same, to an extreme.