New York Liberty Fall Short in WNBA Finals, but Eyes Set on Championship for Next Season

The New York Liberty’s journey in the WNBA Finals ended on a disappointing note, with a Game 4 loss to the Las Vegas Aces. Despite their strong season, the Liberty fell short of their ultimate goal of winning a championship in 2023. The team had set high aspirations for themselves after the arrival of Breanna Stewart, Courtney Vandersloot, and Jonquel Jones, but they couldn’t achieve their goal.

Throughout the series, the Liberty didn’t play their best basketball and looked like a different team compared to the one that had defeated the Aces three times in August. Coach Sandy Brondello acknowledged the team’s inconsistency and lack of progress, stating that they hadn’t shown improvement from their earlier matchups with the Aces.

In Game 4, the Liberty had a chance to even the series and force a Game 5, especially with two key players from the Aces sidelined due to injury. However, the Liberty lost their momentum, and the Aces managed to stay within striking distance before pulling ahead to secure the victory. It was a tough loss for the Liberty on their home court, considering they had led by double digits after the first quarter, which was a first for them this season.

The Liberty acknowledged that their poor performance in the Finals was not reflective of their capabilities. They highlighted the Aces’ strong defensive efforts and their struggle to maintain their flow and ball movement. It was a disappointing night for Stewart, the league MVP, who had a difficult postseason stretch with a low effective field goal percentage. Both Stewart and Jones, the 2021 MVP winner, had a combined 6-for-25 shooting in Game 4.

Despite falling short this season, the Liberty took pride in their remarkable journey to the Finals and the revitalization of their fan base. With the core players, including Vandersloot, Ionescu, Laney, and Thornton, under contract for the next season, the team remains hopeful for their pursuit of a championship. Brondello emphasized the importance of building chemistry and adding the right pieces to strengthen their core.

Looking ahead, the Liberty will aim to keep their championship aspirations alive. While Jones and Stewart are free agents, they have not given any indication of seeking opportunities elsewhere. The team is determined to build a championship team and continues to set their sights on making franchise history in the next season.