Aces vs. Liberty score: Las Vegas outlasts New York in thrilling Game 4 to clinch back-to-back WNBA titles (2024)

The Aces are the first team to repeat as champions in two decades

By Jack Maloney

1 min read

Aces vs. Liberty score: Las Vegas outlasts New York in thrilling Game 4 to clinch back-to-back WNBA titles (2)

The Las Vegas Aces are WNBA champions, again. Despite missing star point guard Chelsea Gray and starting center Kiah Stokes, the Aces battled their way to a thrilling title-clinching 70-69 victory in Game 4 on Wednesday night. With the win, they are the first team since the 2001-2002 Los Angeles Sparks to go back-to-back. A'ja Wilson was named Finals MVP, her first career win.

As expected, the Liberty jumped out to an early double-digit lead against the shorthanded Aces, and controlled the majority of the first 25 minutes. But towards the end of the third quarter, the Aces went on a big run to take the lead going into the fourth, and carried that momentum into the final frame.

In fact, they led by as much as seven before the Liberty clawed their way back into the game and tied things up with 2:44 to play on a Jonquel Jones putback. But the Aces refused to buckle to the pressure and ripped off a 6-0 run. When Wilson put them up 70-64 with 1:27 remaining, it seemed certain they would hold on. Not so much, as it turned out.

Courtney Vandersloot buried a 3-pointer out of the timeout, then stole the ball from Kelsey Plum, which led to a jumper by Sabrina Ionescu. In the blink of an eye, the Liberty had cut the deficit to one at 70-69. And after another stop on the other end, had the ball with a chance to win the game.

But the Aces refused to let this one slip away. Alysha Clark prevented Breanna Stewart from getting to the basket, and Jackie Young arrived to force the ball out of the league MVP's hands. Stewart kicked it out to Betnijah Laney, who spotted Courtney Vandersloot open in the corner, but could not deliver a precise pass. Vandersloot was able to eventually gather and get a shot off, but it was rushed and nowhere close.

The Aces were heavy underdogs in this game and probably should have lost, but their toughness and championship experience proved to be the difference-maker down the stretch. Wilson finished with 24 points and 16 rebounds in another marvelous display, while Jackie Young added 16 points and seven assists, including some huge fourth-quarter buckets. Even Cayla George, who had played 17 minutes in the postseason prior to Game 4, chipped in with three 3-pointers and 11 points.

For the Liberty, this is a heartbreaking end to such an exciting season. They had countless chances to run away with this game, but missed open shot after open shot, including half a dozen layups. Stewart finished a shockingly poor postseason by shooting 3-of-17 from the field. As a team, they shot 36.1% and turned the ball over 13 times.

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Liberty with the ball and a chance to win

Wow! The Liberty get a much needed stop and now have the ball with a chance to win it in the final 10 seconds. Incredible ending here.

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Liberty staying alive

The Aces went up by six with just over a minute to play, and this one seemed over. But then Courtney Vandersloot hit a 3 and got a steal, which led to a Sabrina Ionescu bucket. Now it's suddenly a one-point game with 41 seconds left. Can the Liberty somehow pull this one out?

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All tied up

The Liberty have finally gotten a few shots to go down and have tied things up at 62-62 as we head into the final five minutes. This is going to be on A'ja Wilson for the Aces down the stretch. They have no right to win this game, but if they get five great minutes from her, they can.

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Liberty trying to make a comeback

All of a sudden it's the Liberty trying to make a comeback. The Aces built their lead up to seven and were a missed 3 away from going up double digits. But the Liberty just got a layup from Betnijah Laney and a much-needed 3-pointer from Sabrina Ionescu to make it a two-point game again. Should be a thrilling 6:34 left.

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Third quarter: Aces 53 -- Liberty 51

Wow. A stunning turnaround at the end of the third quarter, as the Aces storm in front to take a two-point lead going into the fourth. A'ja Wilson and Alysha Clark led the way in the last few minutes, while the Liberty continue to miss everything, including more wide open layups. The Liberty should be running away with this, but they aren't. Now, all the Aces need are 10 good minutes from Wilson and they can clinch back-to-back titles.

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George is firing at will

The Liberty are happy to ignore Cayla George at the 3-point line, and the Australian has not been shy about firing away. She's now launched 10 3s, making three of them, and has a team-high 11 points. On the one hand, she does have to shoot some of these looks, but, at the same time, it's strange to see her have the most shots on the team. So far, she's hit just enough to help the Aces hang around.

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Halftime: Liberty 39 -- Aces 30

The Aces cut the deficit down to one, but the Liberty closed the second quarter on an 8-0 run to create some breathing room heading into the break. As expected, the shorthanded Aces have had trouble on offense, but the Liberty haven't been much better. Both teams have turned it over a bunch, and are shooting under 40%. The Liberty, though, have had much better looks.

Courtney Vandersloot leads all scorers with 12 points, and has also dished out three assists, while Betnijah Laney has added 11. A'ja Wilson leads the Aces with nine points and eight rebounds.

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Aces vs. Liberty score: Las Vegas outlasts New York in thrilling Game 4 to clinch back-to-back WNBA titles (3)

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Aces vs. Liberty score: Las Vegas outlasts New York in thrilling Game 4 to clinch back-to-back WNBA titles (2024)

FAQs

Aces vs. Liberty score: Las Vegas outlasts New York in thrilling Game 4 to clinch back-to-back WNBA titles? ›

The Aces became the first team to repeat as champions in 21 years, getting 24 points and 16 rebounds from Wilson and a defensive stop in the closing seconds to beat the New York Liberty 70-69 in Game 4 of the Finals on Wednesday night. “It's not easy, as you know. This is what it's all about,” Wilson said.

What are some fun facts about the Las Vegas Aces? ›

The Aces have won two WNBA championships (2022 and 2023). One of the original eight WNBA franchises, the Utah Starzz began play in 1997. The franchise's first owner was businessman Larry H. Miller, who also owned the Utah Jazz of the National Basketball Association (NBA).

Did the Las Vegas Aces sell out? ›

WNBA defending champions were already first team in league history to sell out season ticket memberships. The Las Vegas Aces have become the first team in Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) history to sell out all of their regular season home games.

How many championships has Las Vegas Aces won? ›

Las Vegas Aces
Championships2 (2022, 2023)
Conference titles1 (2008)
Commissioner's Cup titles1 (2022)
Retired numbers1 (25)
16 more rows

What is the Las Vegas Aces mascot? ›

BUCKET$ became the mascot and a symbol of good luck for the Aces. In 2022, BUCKET$ earned his 3rd All-Star selection as a mascot, was the WNBA's Mascot of the Year, and helped will and cheer his beloved Aces to the city's first professional Championship – just a few of the many things on BUCKET$' list.

What are the odds of the Las Vegas Aces winning the championship? ›

2024 WNBA Championship Odds
TeamChampionship
Las Vegas Aces+160
New York Liberty+175
Minnesota Lynx+650
Connecticut Sun+800
8 more rows
Jul 12, 2024

What are the allegations against the Las Vegas Aces? ›

In a federal lawsuit, Hamby alleged that the Las Vegas Aces failed to honor parts of her contract, then traded her, after she revealed that she was pregnant. WNBA star Dearica Hamby sued her former team in federal court Monday, alleging the Las Vegas Aces discriminated against her after she revealed she was pregnant.

How much do Las Vegas Aces players make? ›

Half of the players on the Aces roster make less than $100,000 each season, according to Sportrac. Colson's base salary is $76,535, while rookie Kate Martin's is $67,249 this year. The team's two highest paid players have a salary of $200,000.

How much does a Ja Wilson make for the Las Vegas Aces? ›

A'ja Wilson's net worth and salary

With endorsements and business ventures, she has steadily built her net worth, which stood at $3 million in 2023. With a current salary of $200,000 per season, she ranks among the league's top earners, a testament to her exceptional skill and value to the Aces franchise.

Has the WNBA ever sold out a stadium? ›

HENDERSON, Nev. -- The Las Vegas Aces became the first WNBA team to sell out every home game in a season when the final tickets were claimed Thursday for a Sept. 3 matchup against Angel Reese and the Chicago Sky. That game is one of two scheduled for T-Mobile Arena, which is bigger than the Aces' usual home venue.

Who is the best player in Las Vegas Aces? ›

Stats 101
1.A'ja Wilson49.6
2.Natalie Williams48.6
3.Dearica Hamby47.6
4.Chelsea Gray47.4
5.Jackie Young47.1
6 more rows

Who owns Las Vegas Aces? ›

The Aces were bought by Mark Davis in 2021, who also owns the National Football League's (NFL) Las Vegas Raiders.

What is Las Vegas famous for? ›

Las Vegas is an internationally renowned major resort city, known primarily for its gambling, shopping, fine dining, entertainment, and nightlife, with most venues centered on downtown Las Vegas and more to the Las Vegas Strip just outside city limits.

Do the Las Vegas Aces have their own stadium? ›

Michelob ULTRA Arena, affectionally called “The House” is the home of the Las Vegas Aces. We strongly advise fans to purchase parking in advance for quicker entry and savings on parking rates.

Are the Las Vegas Aces profitable? ›

Unlock the latest WNBA news — direct to your inbox.

Sportico values the Aces at $140 million after the team pulled in an estimated $17.8 million in revenue in 2023. The Aces edged out the Seattle Storm ($135 million) and New York Liberty ($130 million), who were the second- and third-most valuable teams respectively.

How much are the Las Vegas Aces worth? ›

Aces top WNBA team valuations

Together, the league's 12 teams are worth $1.16 billion, with the Las Vegas Aces coming in as the most valuable at $140 million.

How old is Las Vegas Aces? ›

The Las Vegas Aces began their WNBA journey in 1997 as the Utah Starzz.

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