The 2023 WNBA Finals presented a highly anticipated matchup between two formidable teams: the defending champions, the Las Vegas Aces, and the New York Liberty. This series was the culmination of a season that saw both teams demonstrate exceptional talent and competitive drive, ultimately leading to a compelling championship battle. The Aces, having secured the top seed, faced a Liberty squad that had made significant strides throughout the season,
setting the stage for a memorable showdown.
The Road to the Championship Series
The Las Vegas Aces entered the Finals as the top seed, boasting an impressive 34–6 regular season record. Their path to the championship series included a dominant 2–0 sweep of the Chicago Sky in the first round, followed by another commanding 3–0 sweep against the Dallas Wings in the Semifinals. This marked the Aces' second consecutive Finals appearance and their third in four years, underscoring their consistent excellence and status as defending champions. Their strong performance in the playoffs ensured they had an extra two days of rest before the Finals, as their Semifinal series concluded on September 29.
The New York Liberty, coached by Sandy Brondello, finished the regular season as the second seed with a strong 32–8 record. Their journey to the Finals involved defeating the Washington Mystics 2–0 in the first round and then overcoming the Connecticut Sun 3–1 in the Semifinals. This marked the Liberty's first appearance in the WNBA Finals since 2002, signaling a significant resurgence for the franchise. Unlike the Aces, the Liberty had a shorter turnaround, playing a fourth game in their Semifinal series on October 1, which meant less rest heading into the Finals.
Regular Season Rivalry and Commissioner's Cup
The rivalry between the Aces and the Liberty was well-established even before the Finals. During the regular season, the two teams faced each other four times, splitting the series with each team winning two games. This even record hinted at the competitive balance that would define their championship clash. Furthermore, the teams had previously met in the Commissioner's Cup Final, an in-season tournament, which the New York Liberty won. This victory provided the Liberty with a psychological edge and demonstrated their capability to defeat the reigning champions in a high-stakes environment.
Key Performances in the Finals
In Game 1 of the Finals, the New York Liberty showcased strong offensive depth, with five players scoring in double figures. Breanna Stewart led the team with twenty-one points, demonstrating her scoring prowess. Jonquel Jones contributed sixteen points and continued her impressive streak of double-doubles, recording ten rebounds in the game. This marked her seventh double-double in a single postseason, setting a new WNBA record. Marine Johannès added fourteen points, Betnijah Laney scored eleven, and Courtney Vandersloot rounded out the double-digit scorers with ten points. Despite these individual efforts, the Las Vegas Aces ultimately won the series, securing the championship title. The Liberty's season concluded as runners-up, having lost the Finals three games to one.
