NY Liberty advances to the WNBA Finals for the first time in 21 years!
The New York freedom are on the way to WNBA Finals For the first time in 21 years after defeating the Connecticut Sun in the semifinals in the fourth game on Sunday.
The New York Liberty reach the WNBA finals!
The semifinals between the Liberty and Connecticut Sun began on Sunday, September 24th. The Liberty lost the first game and won the second on their home court before traveling to Connecticut for games four and five, where they dominated the Sun and advanced to the final after losing 87-84.
During the challenging Game 4, Jonquel Jones scored 25 points, including five in the final minute. The former Sun player also had 15 rebounds and four blocked shots. Breanna Stewart led the Liberty with 27 points and Betnijah Laney had 21 points.
Liberty and the Las Vegas Aces are destined to compete in the finals all season long as the league’s No. 1 (Aces) and No. 2 (Liberty) teams. The best-of-five series begins on Sunday, October 8th in Las Vegas. The Aces have been to the Finals before, winning the franchise’s first championship last season, but this is the first time the Liberty have reached the WNBA Finals since 2002. They are also the only original franchise to never win a championship.
The Aces and Liberty played each other four times during the regular season and had a fifth matchup during the Commissioner’s Cup championship, which the Liberty won.
Breanna Stewart was named MVP this season!
Less than a week ago, Stewart was named the season’s MVP.
“Coco, what you said when you won the US Open stuck with me. I tried my best to portray this with dignity, but honestly, for those who thought they were adding water to the fire, you put your foot down,” she said during her speech after being named MVP.
“And now I’m burning so bright. I’m doing my best to carry myself with grace and be a great teammate. I want to be a role model for Ruby [her daughter] about what it means to approach life with the humility and determination necessary to lead teams, help others, be great, and win at the things that matter most.”
At one point in the press conference before Game 2 of the semifinals, Stewart invited Ruby over so she could watch her mother win MVP. She was awarded the MVP trophy on the court in front of a sellout crowd in Brooklyn.
Stewart shared a carousel of photos and a video Instagram with the caption: “This is for you, New York!” The video showed clips of Stewart in action on the court and the photos show the WNBA star accepting her trophy and celebrating with her team.
Many “Stewie’s” fans commented on the photos and videos announcing her as MVP, sharing their joy over her achievement.
“Ok I can’t stop crying when I see these ladies so happy for Stewie!!!!” one fan wrote. Another added: “Beating TEAM and coaches gathered in the WNBA 🔥.” ❤️ Go Stevie and the NY Liberty.”
The 2023 WNBA Finals begin on Sunday, October 8th at 3 p.m. in Vegas. Game 2 will also be played in Vegas on October 11th at 9 p.m. Games 3 and 4 (if needed) will be played in Brooklyn on October 15th and 18th, and if Game 5 is needed, it will be played in Vegas on October 20th.