Las Vegas Aces Secure Second Consecutive WNBA Title in Dramatic Comeback

In an exhilarating WNBA Finals series against the New York Liberty, the Las Vegas Aces mounted a remarkable comeback to secure their second consecutive championship. Despite being underestimated and facing numerous challenges throughout the season, the Aces persevered, achieving a rare feat not seen since 2001/02. A’ja Wilson expressed their unity and determination, stating, “We shared tears, offered prayers, and now we’re celebrating together with champagne.”

Against the odds, the Las Vegas Aces came from behind to beat the New York Liberty 70-69 on Thursday and seal back-to-back WNBA titles.

The Aces trailed by nine points heading into the third quarter, 39-30, but a 24-point and 16-rebound haul from power forward A’ja Wilson for her sixth double-double of the postseason helped seal victory and a 3-1 series win.

After the game, Wilson, who was named the WNBA Finals’ Most Valuable Player, revealed the rollercoaster of emotions the team endured in their bid to secure a second successive title.

“To be up here – this one was special because so many people counted us out,” said. “We fought through so much adversity during the season.

“We cried together, prayed together, and now we popping champagne together.”

The Aces are the first team since 2001/02 to win a second successive championship since the Los Angeles Sparks did it 24 years ago.

“There is a reason it hasn’t been done in that long. It’s hard to do,” Aces forward Alysha Clark said. “It’s hard to get to the Finals multiple times.

“I’ve been around this league long enough. I’ve been on rebuild and championship teams. You never know when you’re going to get this opportunity.”

At one point in the game, it looked as though the New York side would be collecting their maiden WNBA title in their first Finals campaign since 2002.

Courtney Vandersloot bagged 19 points as New York took early control of the encounter, but they could not hold on to their lead in the second half.

After falling behind following an error-stricken half, Sabrina Ionescu closed the Aces’ lead to a point with seconds on the clock.

Nonetheless, the Las Vegas team managed to secure the win. New York coach Sandy Brondello acknowledged the Aces’ resilience, stating, “Credit to Vegas; they were facing adversity, but they discovered a path to victory. We put up a fight, but today wasn’t our strongest performance.”