WNBA Finals Key Players: Liberty vs. Aces

Aces A'ja Wilson (22) | WNBA Finals: Aces vs Liberty

The WNBA Finals are set to begin Sunday between the New York Liberty and the Las Vegas Aces. The series will include two finals MVPs, and three WNBA MVPs. With a magnitude of talent on both teams, let’s break down the key players for each side.

In an inevitable, much anticipated WNBA Finals between the Las Vegas Aces and the New York Liberty, there are several key players to keep an eye on.

What makes this series so exciting and unique is the level of talent on both rosters. In the finals, we will see three current and former MVPs, Breanna Stewart, Jonquel Jones, and A’ja Wilson. Out of those players, both Stewart and Wilson are 2x WNBA Most Valuable Players.

With the Aces headed back to their second consecutive Finals, this matchup will include two finals MVPs, Breanna Stewart (Seattle) and Chelsea Gray.

Four of the Aces starters were selected as All-Stars, A’ja Wilson, Kelsey Plum, Chelsea Gray, and Jackie Young.

For the Liberty, each of their five starters has been named an All-Star in their career, including Breanna Stewart, Jonquel Jones, Betnijah Laney, Courtney Vandersloot, and Sabrina Ionescu.

After rewriting the NCAA record books, Kelsey Plum was drafted No. 1 in the 2017 WNBA draft.
First-round results ➡️ https://t.co/FfcxEPXa9Q pic.twitter.com/ATIYWYwU18
— SLAM (@SLAMonline) April 14, 2017

Between these accomplished teams, the Liberty starting five and Aces core four have a combined 32 All-Star appearances. Sabrina Ionescu and Breanna Stewart join A’ja Wilson, Kelsey Plum, and Jackie Young as former first overall draft picks.

In fact, Kelsey Plum was selected first overall by the San Antonio Stars in 2017. In 2018, the Stars moved to Las Vegas and became the Aces.

Liberty Key Players

Betnijah Laney was a force in the Semi-Finals 😤
Game 2: 20 PTS, 4 REB, 3 ASTGame 3: 20 PTS, 8 REB, 4 ASTGame 4: 21 PTS, 7 REB, 5 AST
📸 @EmJ_not23 pic.twitter.com/XJqNTZOrEd
— WNBA (@WNBA) October 1, 2023

There are two key players for the New York Liberty in this series, Betnijah Laney and Jonquel Jones. The New York Liberty defense will also be essential.

A member of the Liberty since 2021, Laney has embraced her role around several stars. As the season progressed, so did her play and grit. Known for her defensive prowess, Laney was named to the All-Defensive second team.

Becoming a confident scorer over time, Laney is usually tasked with guarding the best player on the court. A defensive juggernaut in the series against the Aces, Laney averaged 12.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.8 assists.

In four games, the forward shot 50 percent from the field, and 41.2 percent from the three. Laney, who was held to three points in Game one versus Connecticut, proved her value in the next three games.

In six postseason games, No. 44 is averaging 15 points, 5.2 rebounds, and three assists. She’s shooting a remarkable 48.2 percent from the floor, and 43 percent from long range.

Though the box score often doesn’t reflect the entire story, Laney will be the ultimate x factor on both sides of the ball. The Aces have a powerful guard trio, in addition to A’ja Wilson. Betnijah will be one of the players, aside from Breanna Stewart and Jones to step up on the defensive end.

Jonquel Jones is a Double-Double Machine

New year, same result 👏
Jonquel Jones dropped 25 points in the win to eliminate her former team 💰 pic.twitter.com/Qou9EQeU45
— espnW (@espnW) October 1, 2023

Jonquel Jones is a former MVP for a reason. Traded to the Liberty this offseason, No. 35 found her stride, specifically after the All-Star break. Named Commissioners Cup MVP, Jones was a vital part of New York’s game two win against Washington.

When the Liberty couldn’t hit their shots, the offense flowed through Jones. Jones grabbed a critical rebound, and hit two free throws, saving the Liberty.

Using her size and strength, the forward was able to score inside the paint, as well as run the pick and roll with Stewart. Post All-Star break, Jones averaged 12.2 points, and 10.3 rebounds, on 52 percent field goal shooting.

In six postseason games, Jones is averaging 16.5 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks. She set WNBA history with six consecutive double-doubles. Jones leads the entire playoffs in total rebounds.

It will be crucial for Jones to stay out of foul trouble. While only averaging 9.3 points against the Aces, No. 35 totaled close to ten boards per game. Look for the Kiah Stokes matchup with Jones, as she is a defensive presence for the Aces.

If the Aces limit the Liberty in perimeter scoring, the offense must flow through Jones.

Liberty Defense

In two wins against the Aces, New York’s defense held A’ja Wilson to 18 points in two games, including the Commissioner’s Cup. Over those two games, Wilson was held to 4-24 shooting, which is rare for the Aces star.

Limiting her looks will be vital to win the series. Over the playoffs, Jonquel Jones and Breanna Stewart are averaging five blocks per game, and are a strong front-court duo.

With the Aces small guard lineup, New York will be forced to pick up on screens and heavily guard the perimeter. Having two rim protectors for the Liberty will be essential for defense, as well as paint presence on the offensive end.

The New York Liberty played zone defense this postseason over 40 times, compared to 88 in the regular season. New York ranked third in defensive rating this season, and limited opponents to 80 points per game.

With the Aces running a six-player rotation, Kayla Thornton will be pivotal for New York’s defense. Don’t let the box score fool you, Thronton is a 3&D guard, who can also shoot the ball.

Aces Key Players

We still think about this @cgray209 pass.
pic.twitter.com/1m3UqKzCBc
— Las Vegas Aces (@LVAces) October 4, 2023

As much as I want to say this will be the battle between Stewart and Wilson, Kiah Stokes, Alysha Clark, and “Playoff Chelsea” will be key for the Aces. In four matchups, both Breanna Stewart and A’ja Wilson were held to under 20 points per game.

With a six-player rotation, Clark will be key off the bench, especially on the defensive end against Stewart. If the guards are struggling on the perimeter, look for Clark to be open on the corner, especially if New York decides to switch to a zone defense.

In five playoff matchups, Clark is averaging 8 points and 4 rebounds. No. 7 is shooting over 40 percent from deep, and 53.6 percent from the field. Despite Parker being out with injuries, Stokes has been a defensive presence, although hesitant to shoot at times.

Stokes will have the primary responsibility of guarding Jonquel Jones. The center has averaged 8.6 rebounds and nearly 1.5 steals in five playoff games.

Stewart started to show signs of life in game four against Connecticut. She’s struggled primarily on the offensive end in the postseason, which shows how deeply talented New York is.

Stewart shot 22 percent from the three-point against the Aces and averaged 18 points in four games. Even worse, No. 30 averaged 35.6 percent from the floor.

Chelsea Gray was the 2022 Finals MVP for a reason. In four games against New York, Gray averaged 16.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, 8 assists, and 1.8 steals. It will be crucial for Gray to distribute the ball and make plays for her teammates.

Shooting over 60 percent in last year’s playoffs, look for the guard to find those notorious mid-range jumpers.

A’ja Wilson vs. Breanna Stewart

ACES. LIBERTY.
THE WNBA FINALS ARE SET 🍿 pic.twitter.com/qJoFdeS5XX
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) October 1, 2023

There’s no question all eyes will be on A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart. Stewart edged out Wilson and Alyssa Thomas for MVP, while Wilson was named Defensive Player of the Year. Regardless of Stewarts’ struggles in the postseason, she’s the best player in the world, along with A’ja Wilson.

Both players underperformed in four regular season meetings. Stewart averaged 18 points, 9 rebounds, 3 steals and 2.5 blocks. Limited to 22 percent three-point shooting, No. 30 saw a significant decrease in her production on the road in Vegas. In two matchups on the road, the MVP averaged only 14 points a game, and 6.4 rebounds on 30 percent shooting.

While Stewart didn’t have the best outings against Vegas, she thrives in big moments. In the regular season, Stewart was second in points, fourth in blocks, and third in rebounds. When she struggles on offense, Stewart capitalizes on the defensive end.

A’ja Wilson had a historic season, along with Breanna Stewart. The 2023 Defensive Player of the Year averaged 17.3 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks against the Liberty this season. Her three consecutive 30-point games are the most in playoff history and had the most points through four playoff games. With Wilson held to 4-24, including the Commissioners Cup, look for her and Stewart to battle all series long.

Keys for the Liberty

Rebounding and inside scoring will be key for the Liberty this series. They are second in the playoffs in rebounding percentage and second-chance points. In four meetings, excluding the Commissioners Cup, New York outrebounded by only 8 boards and dominated on the defensive boards.

In games two and four, New York did an excellent job of controlling the rebounds, and well as scoring in the paint. This postseason, the Liberty average 38.3 points in the paint, and will face the top defense in the league, the Aces.

While Las Vegas are at the top defensively, New York led all teams in the regular season in assists per game. Loaded with talent, this Liberty team has excellent ball movement and improved their shot selections. With Courtney Vandersloot as the floor general, fluid movement and looks will be key.

The Aces are elite when it comes to guarding the perimeter, and Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu thrives in the spotlight. Over four games, Ionescu shot 52.9 percent from three, and 52.6 percent from the field. With strong screens, No. 20 will pull, even with the slightest amount of room.

Overall, the Liberty thrive on momentum and confidence. Slowing down A’ja Wilson is necessary, and it will be essential to disrupt the flow of offense. It will be important to establish a lead early, and force the Aces to scramble, even on their home court.

Keys for the Aces

Much like the Liberty, rebounds and paint presence will be imperative in all games. In their two victories against the Liberty, they controlled the paint. The Aces play at a faster pace than the Liberty, and controlling the tempo will be extremely important.

With rumors swirling Candace Parker was at practice, the Aces could have a bolster to their front court.

With Becky Hammon utilizing a six-player rotation, the Aces are in shape and used to playing a high number of minutes. In their third finals appearance, the Aces need to utilize their home-court advantage, a place where they only lost one in the regular season.

There’s one area the Aces dominate in, and that’s experience as a team. The New York Liberty are headed into the finals with three new additions in their starting lineup. For the Aces, they need to take advantage of their already established presence and chemistry together.

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Imani Smith

WNBA Womens Sports
Angel Reese Sets WNBA Double-Double Record
**Angel Reese, selected seventh overall by the Chicago Sky in the 2024 WNBA Draft, stands out as the lone rookie averaging a double-double this season.**
For those who questioned Angel Reese’s fit in the WNBA, her performance has silenced skeptics and affirmed her status as a rising star in the league. Today, she made history that underscores her potential to become one of basketball’s all-time greats. Beyond her dominance on the court, Reese is also turning heads with her fashion sense, undeniable charisma, and unwavering self-assurance, which translate beautifully into her gameplay.
In the Chicago Sky’s camp day victory, a score of 83-72 against the Dallas Wings, Reese recorded a career-high 18 rebounds alongside 16 points. With two steals added to her stats, the player dubbed “Chi-Town Barbie” achieved a remarkable milestone, becoming the first rookie ever in WNBA history to notch seven consecutive double-doubles. Eight of her rebounds were on the offensive glass, contributing to Chicago’s impressive 48-22 advantage in points scored in the paint. Just a week prior, she had set a new personal best with 20 points against the Connecticut Sun, finishing this latest game at a +17 efficiency while shooting 7-for-13 overall.
Although the Dallas Wings faced injury challenges, their head coach, Latricia Tramell, opted for a larger lineup. With Natasha Howard returning under a minutes restriction, Reese took full advantage of the matchup, showcasing her talent against formidable opponents like Howard, Monique Billings, Teaira McCowan, Morgan Bertsch, and Stephanie Soares—none of whom are shorter than 6 foot 2. Her extraordinary performance is a testament to her skill set, particularly against a Dallas team that ranks second in the league for points scored in the paint. Winning in the WNBA is no small feat, particularly when competing against players towering 6 foot 5 and taller.
In a post-game interview, Reese revealed that she had studied extensive film on Dallas, emphasizing her willingness to do the hard work for her teammates. “I’ll step in, I’ll mess up my nails, lashes, and stuff like that, just for my teammates,” Reese shared in a social media post from the Chicago Sky. She embodies the qualities every franchise covets in a cornerstone player: heart, grit, and hustle.
Reese’s impressive statistics now place her among the legendary figures who paved the way for women’s basketball, such as Sylvia Fowles, Elena Delle Donne, and Candace Parker. With ambitions to surpass Fowles’s season offensive rebounding record, Reese is already third in the league in rebounds, leading all rookies with a total of 68 offensive boards, outpacing elite players such as A’ja Wilson, Napheesa Collier, and Alyssa Thomas.
During the broadcast, Reese emphasized her close relationship with Fowles, reiterating her commitment to victory. “I just want to do whatever it takes to win, and rebounding is what I do to win,” Reese expressed following the game.
With her seventh consecutive double-double, Reese is having a historic rookie season and is on track to break Fowles’s records as she continues to excel at just 22 years old. At halftime, she had already secured 11 rebounds and eclipsed previous records held by Cindy Brown and Tina Charles. Currently, she boasts averages of 12.4 points and 10.8 rebounds per game, making her the only rookie to reach double figures this season. Following the unfortunate injury to Cameron Brink, Reese has distinguished herself in her rookie class.
The Sky entered this game on a rough stretch, having lost four consecutive outings against the Dream, Sun, Mystics, and Fever. However, Reese and her teammates delivered an electrifying performance at Chicago’s annual Camp Day, where many young fans experience their first WNBA game. Engaging with thousands of children in the crowd, Reese expressed her joy in clinching a victory. “Man, I’m just happy we finally won,” she told ESPN. “I’m excited to be in this league, and win some more.”
Currently second overall in points behind Caitlin Clark, Reese leads all rookies in rebounds per game, free-throw attempts and makes, field goals attempted and made, and steals. Her accomplishments make a strong case for the 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year Award.
While other players also earn attention, it’s essential not to overlook Reese, a bona fide national champion and standout during her four years at LSU under the guidance of coach Kim Mulkey. Drafted alongside fellow Gamecock legend Kamilla Cardoso, there were questions about how the two would fit into Teresa Weatherspoon’s front court. Despite some media controversies, Reese consistently puts up impressive numbers.
Standing at 6 foot 3, Reese has recorded double-doubles against notable teams like the Fever, Mystics, Sun, Dream, and Liberty. Out of those seven games, three teams rank among the top five in rebounding. Today, she exhibited relentless aggression, creating numerous second-chance opportunities. Developing her mid-range and outside shooting game would elevate her to a true triple threat.
Eager to continue improving, Reese is a legitimate contender for Rookie of the Year, thriving by consistently making winning plays.
With a season record of 5-9, Reese and the Chicago Sky look ahead to their next challenge against the Indiana Fever at home this Sunday evening.
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WNBA Womens Sports
Introducing the 2024 US Women’s 3×3 Olympics Team: Brink, Burdick, Howard, Van Lith
Introducing the USA Basketball 3x3 Women's National Team
The American Basketball organization has announced the starting lineup for the 2024 Women’s National 3×3 squad.
Featuring the talented Cameron Brink as a standout, the team will also boast the skills of Rhyne Howard, Hailey Van Lith, and Cierra Burdick. Chosen by a selection panel, the Olympic Games are set to be held in Paris, showcasing what promises to be an exceedingly powerful, adaptable, and all-rounded team.
Just a year prior, Brink, Van Lith, and Burdick guided the USA team to victory at the 2023 FIBA 3×3 World Cup, securing the gold medal. With a mix of experienced and emerging talents, team cohesion is expected to be even stronger. Van Lith and Burdick, in particular, have been playing alongside each other since the 2022 World Cup.
The announcement of the players selected for the team was met with profound emotional displays across various social media platforms.
At 22, Brink, who was the Los Angeles Sparks’ second pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, has consistently performed during her freshman season. With Stanford as her alma mater, Brink’s averages include 8.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.1 steals per game. Renowned for her defensive capabilities, her professional performance has lived up to expectations.
Ranking second in the WNBA for total blocks (21) and leading new recruits in that domain, Brink also stands third among her rookie peers for rebounds. As a highly regarded defensive anchor in the league, she excels in defensive boards per contest. With an average of 2.6 blocks per outing, her defensive acumen will be pivotal in the 3×3 format.
After achieving a personal best of 21 points in a recent game against the Fever, the Stanford graduate was honored as the MVP of the 2023 3×3 FIBA World Cup, having steered her team to the top podium. She also played in the 2018 FIBA U17 and 2019 U19 Women’s World Cup teams.
Expanding her team’s offensive options, Brink offers spacing on the floor and can both shoot from the distance and engage in post-up moves. A crucial element will be her prowess in seizing the offensive rebounds.
Introduced at the Tokyo Games in 2021, the 3×3 basketball format promises a riveting yet demanding style of play. Rizzotti and the team are gearing up for their inaugural run in Paris, with the events slated to commence at the twilight of July, stretching into early August.
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WNBA Womens Sports
WNBA Players of the Week: A’ja Wilson and Sabrina Ionescu
Week 3 Western Conference Player of the Week: A'ja Wilson
MVP Periodt and the Sovereign of Brooklyn are dominating WNBA news.
A’ja Wilson from the Las Vegas Aces and Sabrina Ionescu of the New York Liberty have undeniably made an impression, influencing the game within and outside the bounds of the court. Formerly competitors in the 2023 WNBA Finals, they have now claimed the titles of Eastern and Western Conference players of the week.
Ionescu is partnered with Nike and recently unwrapped the Sabrina 2s just last month. Around this coinciding period, Wilson disclosed her inaugural shoe, the Nike A’One, slated for a 2025 launch. Wilson now stands alongside Ionescu as one of the trio of active WNBA athletes boasting their own exclusive footwear lines.
Not even a full two months into the current season and Wilson as well as Ionescu are exerting considerable influence on their respective squads’ performances.
Despite Wilson’s impressive credentials as a two-time WNBA Champion, MVP, and Defensive Player of the Year, she hasn’t overlooked that one time she was ranked fourth by an MVP voter. And with reason, she perpetuates her response to the skeptics with stellar displays on the basketball court.
A’ja Wilson is once again performing at an MVP level
Off to a blistering start, the Aces star added eight blocks and three steals in both matchups against the Atlanta Dream and Minnesota Lynx.
4-2 on the season, Becky Hammon and the Aces suffered a rare 78-74 against the Dream on the road. However, how can we forget Wilson’s unforgettable block on good friend Allisha Gray? It may not have traveled into the concession stand but was a statement block.
On pace for another historical season, Wilson started off the season with five straight double-doubles, owning the longest streak of 20+ points and 10+ rebounds in WNBA history. The league leader in blocks with 12.4, Wilson boasted 29 points, 15 rebounds, three assists, two steals, and four blocks against the Lynx. And a few days later, she put up 28 points, three assists, one steal, and four blocks against the Dream. Over the two games, Wilson shot 46.1 percent from the field.
Earning the weekly award for the 17th time in her career, Wilson has elevated her game significantly. Through six games into the 2024 season, the Aces star is averaging career-highs in points (26.5), rebounds (12.5), and blocks (2.8). Leading the league in player-estimated impact, Wilson is already poised as one of the all-time greats ever to grace the game.
Sabrina Ionescu’s game has evolved beyond the three-point shot
Nearly 21 percent (31) of Ionescu’s 146 field goal attempts have been delivered as driving layups and floating bank shots. Compare this to last year, where she only attempted 17 floater shots. More confident than ever, the California native averages the most points since her rookie season, with 17.9 points per game. Given she only played three games in her first season, it’s a testament to the dedication, growth, and evolution of her game.
Ionescu started off the week with a game-high 22 points, six rebounds, and nine assists against the Phoenix Mercury at home. According to Liberty PR, Ionescu became the first player in franchise history to record double-digit points with at least five assists in a single quarter (10 points and five assists).
Just a few days later, No. 20 poured in 24 points, one rebound, three assists, on 50 percent three-point shooting against Washington at the Barclays. To end the week, the former Oregon star put up 16 points, six rebounds, and six assists in front of 17,000+ fans against the Indiana Fever.
The Las Vegas Aces (4-2) are set to match up against the Dallas Wings, Seattle Storm, and Los Angeles Sparks this week. The New York Liberty defeated the Chicago Sky 88-75 on Tuesday night, and will matchup with Atlanta, Connecticut, and Washington later this week.
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