In the electrifying world of women’s professional basketball, history is being made once again as the 2023 WNBA Finals highlight a monumental clash between the league’s two superteams: the Las Vegas Aces and New York Liberty.
As the culmination of an extraordinary season, this championship series is not only a testament to the undeniable talent and dedication of the athletes involved but also a thrilling display of the league’s evolution and the unwavering growth of women’s sports.
With record-breaking performances and unprecedented milestones already etched into the season’s narrative, this series promises to be an unforgettable showdown that will leave a lasting mark on the history of the sport.
Stewie vs. A’ja: Battle of the MVP’s
This will be the second time Stewart and Wilson meet in the championship round. The first was in 2020 in the bubble at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla., where Stewart’s Seattle Storm squad defeated Wilson’s Aces in a sweep.
Moving from Seattle to New York this offseason, Stewie achieved career-best statistics, averaging 23 points and 3.8 assists. Additionally, she contributed 9.3 rebounds, 1.5 steals and 1.6 blocks per game.
Stewart ranked second in scoring, third in rebounds and fourth in blocks in the league. She also made history by becoming the first player in the WNBA to maintain averages of at least 23 points, nine rebounds and three assists throughout a season.
Furthermore, Stewart set a new WNBA record with four 40-point games in a single season, a feat that also tied her with Diana Taurasi for the most such games in league history. She was named league MVP for the second time in her career for her efforts.
Like Stewart, Wilson dominated the court this season, averaging 22.8 points and 9.5 rebounds. In the playoffs she has been even better, posting 25.8 and 11.2 per contest. Wilson is the unquestioned leader of the Aces and is just as hard to contain on defense, winning the Defensive Player of the Year award.
In their five previous meetings this season, Stewart averaged 17 points and 7.4 rebounds, while Wilson averaged 15.6 points and 6.2 rebounds. This will be the most anticipated player matchup of the series, so get your popcorn ready.
Jonquel Jones: The X-Factor
Playing in her third Finals, Jonquel Jones struggled through the first half of the season. The 2021 MVP spent time battling a lingering foot injury, plus acclimating to a new system and superstar teammates around her. She appeared sluggish and one step behind.
Post All-Star break, everything changed. Jones was supercharged, bringing the intensity and impact fans expected from the jump and averaging 12.2 points, 10.3 rebounds and 1.2 blocks. In the playoffs, her numbers got even better, averaging 16.5 points, 12.8 rebounds and 2.2 blocks.
Jones’s ability to operate down low as a scorer and rebounder has given New York the interior boost it desperately needed. She is consistent as a screener and passer, and can stretch the floor, hitting the occasional three-point shot.
If the Liberty want to hoist the trophy, it is imperative that JJ plays at a high level, game in and game out.
The Big Three
The Aces boast the league’s best perimeter trio with All-Stars Chelsea Gray, Jackie Young and Kelsey Plum. They always play within themselves and complement one other as well as any guard trio the league has seen.
As good as they are at putting the ball in the basket, the Aces also play defense at an extremely high level. They will need to be at their absolute best to contain a high-octane Liberty offense, which, at times, overwhelmed Vegas in their regular season matchups.
While Gray and Plum get most of the talk in the backcourt, Young’s importance to this team cannot be understated.
This season, the fifth-year guard from Notre Dame averaged a career-high 17.6 points, while also posting 4.0 rebounds and 3.8 assists. Additionally, she ranked second in the league in three-point percentage, connecting on 44.9% of her shots from behind the arc.
In Conclusion
As fans eagerly await the tip-off of the 2023 WNBA Finals, one thing is clear: this historic matchup has the makings to be the greatest Finals in the league’s storied history.
These two superteams promise an unforgettable clash of talent, determination and heart. The sheer magnitude of their rivalry, the anticipation of a tightly contested series and the extraordinary skills on display make this Finals a momentous occasion.
With a backdrop of sportsmanship, passion and the pursuit of excellence, the 2023 WNBA Finals will leave an indelible mark on the world of basketball.