NEW YORK — A’ja Wilson helped the Las Vegas Aces secure their place among the greatest franchises in WNBA history.
The Aces became the league’s first team to repeat as champions in 21 years, getting 24 points and 16 rebounds from Wilson and a defensive stop in the closing seconds to beat the New York Liberty 70-69 on Wednesday night in Game 4 of the WNBA Finals, bouncing back from a loss three days earlier on the same court to wrap up the best-of-five series without going back to Las Vegas.
“It’s not easy, as you know. This is what it’s all about,” Wilson said. “Not a lot of people get to do it. To be short-handed and win is amazing. It makes the win that much better. It’s hard to get back to the finals to win again.”
The Aces joined the Los Angeles Sparks (2001-02) and the Houston Comets (1997-2000) as the only teams in WNBA history to win consecutive titles.
Las Vegas did it Wednesday without starters Chelsea Gray and Kiah Stokes, who were both sidelined with foot injuries that occurred in Game 3. Gray, the 2022 WNBA Finals MVP, was constantly in the ear of her teammates during timeouts and shouting encouragement from the sideline. Las Vegas was also still missing veteran Candace Parker, who had foot surgery in late July.