WNBA Semifinals: Liberty Seek Revenge Against Aces \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ The Las Vegas Aces and New York Liberty meet again, this time in the WNBA semifinals, after last year’s Finals clash. Both teams are motivated, with the Liberty driven by “unfinished business” from last season’s loss. With MVP contenders A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart leading their teams, the series promises high-level competition and drama.
Liberty vs. Aces: WNBA Semifinals Rematch – Quick Looks
- Semifinals Showdown: The New York Liberty and Las Vegas Aces, who clashed in last year’s WNBA Finals, are facing each other in the semifinals this season, both seeking another shot at the title.
- Motivated Liberty: New York, led by Sabrina Ionescu, aims to capitalize on last season’s loss to the Aces as motivation but avoids dwelling on the past, focusing instead on playing their best basketball.
- Aces on a Roll: Despite being the No. 4 seed, the Aces have won nine of their last ten games, including a sweep against Seattle. They nearly came back to beat New York without MVP A’ja Wilson, who rested during that game.
- Historical Meeting: This matchup marks the first time in WNBA history that last year’s Finals participants are meeting in the semifinals, made possible by the 2016 format change that took the top eight teams regardless of conference.
- Star Players to Watch: A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart are the series’ marquee matchup, with both stars having strong seasons. Wilson set new scoring records, while Stewart is determined to lead New York back to the Finals.
- Key X-Factors: Liberty added rookie Leonie Fiebich for size and shooting, while Las Vegas brought in Tiffany Hayes, who came out of retirement to win Sixth Woman of the Year honors.
- Home-Court Edge: New York holds the No. 1 seed and will start the best-of-five series at home. The Liberty’s raucous home crowd has provided consistent support throughout the season, giving them a potential edge.
- Rising Popularity: The WNBA has seen a surge in viewership and attendance this year, with the most-watched season since 2000 and a 48% increase in average attendance. The league’s semifinals games also attracted record TV audiences.
Deep Look:
The Las Vegas Aces and New York Liberty find themselves in familiar territory but at a new stage of the WNBA postseason. Instead of meeting in the Finals, the two powerhouse teams will clash in the semifinals, fighting for a coveted spot in the championship round. Last year, the Aces triumphed over the Liberty in a four-game Finals series, but now, both teams are poised for another chance at glory—only one round earlier.
Liberty’s “Unfinished Business”
The New York Liberty are using their loss in the 2022 Finals as a driving force this year. “We’ve got some unfinished business,” New York guard Sabrina Ionescu said confidently. The Liberty are determined to play their best basketball, leaving last season’s defeat behind. After all, this is a fresh start with a different setting and, they hope, a different outcome. With the goal of advancing to the Finals firmly in their sights, the Liberty are leaning on experience and a bolstered lineup.
Aces Building Momentum
Meanwhile, the Las Vegas Aces come into this semifinal matchup as the No. 4 seed but with the confidence of a team on a hot streak. They have won nine out of their last ten games, including a first-round sweep of the Seattle Storm. The Aces’ only recent stumble came against the Liberty—a game in which A’ja Wilson, the league’s MVP, was sidelined to rest her foot. Despite missing their star player, the Aces made a stunning comeback, almost erasing a 20-point deficit. This resilience indicates that they are not to be underestimated, even as an underdog.
First-Ever Semifinals Rematch
The current semifinal showdown between the Liberty and Aces is the first time in WNBA history that the previous season’s Finals participants have met in the semifinals. This scenario wasn’t possible before the WNBA’s 2016 restructuring, which shifted to the top eight teams qualifying for the playoffs regardless of conference affiliation. Sabrina Ionescu acknowledges the unusual situation: “The goal isn’t just to win in the semifinals… It’s weird to have a rematch here, but we have to get through them to reach the Finals again.”
Back in 2018, a similar situation unfolded when the Minnesota Lynx and Los Angeles Sparks faced off in the opening round, following a Finals matchup in 2017. The Lynx, who won the title in 2017, were eliminated by the Sparks the next year—underscoring how challenging back-to-back playoff matchups can be for either team.
Marquee Matchup: Wilson vs. Stewart
One of the most compelling aspects of this series is the matchup between two MVP-caliber players: A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart. Both have been dominant forces in the WNBA for years and share a mutual respect from their time playing together for Team USA at the Olympics and the World Championships. Wilson, last year’s MVP, elevated her game even further this season, setting a record for scoring average and becoming the first player to score more than 1,000 points in a single WNBA season. Stewart, last year’s MVP, is as determined as ever to propel her team to victory. Whichever star shines brightest could ultimately decide who advances.
The X-Factors
Every great team has a supporting cast that makes a difference when it matters most. For the Liberty, rookie Leonie Fiebich has added size and shooting ability, complementing a roster already teeming with talent. The 6-foot-4 wing was instrumental during the regular season, and her versatility adds depth to the lineup.
The Aces found their own boost in Tiffany Hayes, who came out of retirement to join the team mid-season. Hayes made an immediate impact, earning the AP’s Sixth Woman of the Year award. Both Fiebich and Hayes could prove to be game-changers in this high-stakes matchup.
Home-Court Advantage for the Liberty
Securing the No. 1 seed has granted New York home-court advantage in this best-of-five series, a critical factor after last year’s Finals saw the Liberty forced to fight from behind in Las Vegas. This season, the Liberty have benefited from a loud and loyal fanbase at home, turning their games into must-see events. Celebrities have frequently attended, adding an extra layer of excitement and energy to an already charged atmosphere. Playing in front of a home crowd could be a significant advantage for New York as they aim to get over the semifinal hurdle.
A Boon for Ratings and Attendance
The WNBA is experiencing a surge in popularity, marked by its most-watched season since 2000. Attendance is also up, with the league reporting an average of 9,807 fans per game, a 48% increase compared to last season. The Indiana Fever led the attendance records, bringing in over 340,000 fans during the season, while TV ratings for the playoffs have also reached new heights. The Indiana-Connecticut series-clinching game set a new record as the most-watched WNBA game on cable, averaging 2.5 million viewers. With such heightened interest, this semifinal series between two high-profile teams is likely to draw significant viewership and serve as a showcase for the league’s growing appeal.
The Road Ahead
The winner of this showdown will have the opportunity to compete for the WNBA championship, and it’s clear both teams are determined to get there. For the Liberty, a Finals appearance would mean another shot at redemption, while the Aces are looking to prove that they can overcome their underdog status to reclaim the title. With stars like Wilson and Stewart leading the charge, and significant contributions from players like Fiebich and Hayes, this series promises intense competition, thrilling moments, and the kind of drama that makes WNBA basketball so compelling.
This semifinal matchup is more than just a rematch—it’s a clash of two teams that refuse to back down, each with something to prove. Whether it’s unfinished business or a new journey, both the Liberty and Aces know what’s at stake: a shot at the WNBA Finals, with all the glory and history that entails.
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