The Las Vegas Aces and New York Liberty faced each other in the title game last season, but now they are meeting in the postseason at an earlier stage with the WNBA Finals on the line. The Liberty are using last year’s defeat as motivation but are not fixating on the four-game series loss.
New York guard Sabrina Ionescu expressed that the team has “unfinished business” and is determined to showcase their best basketball in the upcoming games. Despite being the No. 4 seed, the Aces have shown improved performance in the past month, winning nine of their last ten games leading into the postseason and sweeping Seattle in the first round.
A notable game during this period was when the Aces faced the Liberty without league MVP A’ja Wilson, who was resting her foot. Although the Aces almost staged a comeback from a 20-point deficit, the focus for both teams is on the postseason encounters rather than regular-season games.
This matchup marks the first time in WNBA history that the finalists from the previous season are meeting in the semifinals. The league’s format change in 2016 allowed the top eight teams, regardless of conference affiliation, to qualify for the postseason, creating the opportunity for such matchups.
The series also highlights a marquee matchup between A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart, who have a friendly relationship off the court. Both players have had exceptional seasons, with Wilson setting scoring records and Stewart winning MVP last year. The performance of these two star players will likely have a significant impact on their team’s success in the series.
Additionally, the addition of players like rookie Leonie Fiebich for New York and Tiffany Hayes for Las Vegas has added depth and versatility to both teams. New York securing the No. 1 seed grants them home-court advantage for the first two games, enhancing the importance of fan support in the series.
The WNBA has seen increased viewership and attendance this season, with a 48% rise in average attendance compared to last season and the highest regular-season viewership in over two decades. Exciting matchups and standout performances have contributed to the league’s growing popularity, with notable games drawing millions of viewers.
The upcoming series between the Aces and Liberty promises to be a thrilling competition with high stakes, as both teams aim to secure a spot in the WNBA Finals. The history between these teams adds an extra layer of intrigue to the semifinal matchup, setting the stage for intense and competitive basketball.