In one of the most memorable moments in the franchise of the New York Liberty, it was New York putting on their dancing shoes for the 2023 WNBA Finals in what was a nail-biting Game 4 victory against the Connecticut Sun 87-84.
New York was able to win the best of five series by a final of 3-1, and in the process make a little bit of HERstory, as the last time Liberty made it this far was 2002. It’s unbelievable that it’s 21 years since Liberty made it this far. There have been so many greats that have worn the New York Liberty uniform all building up to the moment and roster that features the likes of Breanna Stewart, Courtney Vandersloot, Jonquel Jones, Sabrina Ionescu, and Betnijah Laney to only name a few.
It turns out to be the well-rounded team play for the Liberty that helped them gain the victory, and especially impressing is the play of Laney, as she scored 20 plus points during each game against the Sun.
New York Liberty fans are encouraged to check out Episode Six of the New York Liberty Chat with 1495 Sports Correspondent Kim Dillinger as she reports live from the Mohegan Sun Arena about Game Four of the 2023 WNBA Semis and gives a look at the Arena:
Laney helped to lead the charge early in the First Quarter, as with her first nine points scored in the first in addition to going three of three-point shots. Her technique and style knowing how to play both sides were exactly what Liberty needed to secure another win. Laney ended the game with 21 points seven rebounds, and a postseason career-high-tying five assists.
“We’re not satisfied with everything, but I am happy, especially from where we started,” Laney said after the game. “Being knocked out of the first round every time and now we’re here with everyone and we’re in the Finals.”
Jonquel Jones, Former Sun Player and MVP, scored 25 points with 20 of her points landing in the first half of the game. Jones Also added another double- double making it her 16th of her post season career. The pressure was on when Jones stepped on the free throw line with one minute in the game to give the Liberty a three-point lead.
One of the more memorable moments for JJ was the steal that came right after a bad pass from Tiffany Hayes. A foul came right after Jones attempt for a lay-up and she was sent back to the free throw line. Jones shot at 75% (9-12) from the free throw line.
“We continue to work hard and how we can work together and it’s going to be a great series. We are going to take this time to get enjoy this moment,” said Stewart.
When it comes time for Stewart, she has led the Liberty in more ways than one, as she has helped to create space. Gaining the support of WNBA fans everywhere thanks to her play in both Seattle and New York, Stewie is the ultimate team player as she shows that it is not all about scoring for her but also putting her teammates in positions to make certain plays and continue to dominate.
Stewart finished with 27 points on 45% from three, nine rebounds, and two blocks.
To tip the cap to the opponents, the Connecticut Sun also are going to go down in the record books as one of the Top Teams in the league. Helping to lead the Sun, while etching her own name in the ranks of one of the greats in the W is Alyssa Thomas with her incredible play during the 2023 Season.
Thomas 2023 WNBA season with 15.5 points, 9.9 rebounds 7.9 assists, and finished in one of the most contested WNBA MVP Award votes in third place with 433 points. In addition, Thomas became the WNBA’s all-time leader in regular season triple-doubles (9).
“I had a season never seen in this league and probably won’t see again, unless I do it. We’re talking about league records. For me, I have a lot to be proud of. No one can take away the fact I’ll always be in the record books,” said Alyssa Thomas on being a part of history.
AT (the nickname for Alyssa Thomas) and the Sun fought until the end, and the game came down to the last second of the game. With time ticking off the scoreboard it was Hayes fired off a shot in the hopes that it would connect and send the team into Overtime.
As For Game Four Thomas continues to dominate on the court playing 40 min games and pushing her team to new limits, while wrapping up Game 4 by scoring 17-points, 15-rebounds, 11-assists in a triple-double, while Tiffany Hayes added 15 points and two rebounds.
Also impressing in Game 4 is DiJonai Carrington gave it her all in coming off the bench and scoring 14 points. The loss was a heart wrenching one for the Sun, especially the majority of this squad is the one that made it to WNBA Finals in 2022 and losing that game to the Las Vegas Aces. Sun are number three team in the league and had an impressive season.
Once the intensity and the passion of Game Four wrapped up and the elation and joy for the New York Liberty turning into preparation up next for the ladies is going to be the battle of the ‘Super Teams’.
“I think it’s good. That’s the narrative everyone wanted at the start. I didn’t particularly like the super team thing but it’s going to be a great series and it’s a promotion for the WNBA, isn’t it? It’s New York, we haven’t done it for so long, but we’re playing the champions from last year. I think it’s going to be a really competitive series and hopefully more and more people turn their eyes into the game and we can continue to grow it,” said Coach Brondello about how the Super Team Narrative is helping to grow the WNBA.
On Sunday, October 8 it is going to be the Liberty going head-to-head with the 2022 WNBA Champions Las Vegas Aces. It’s the matchup of all matchups. Ever since the New York Liberty acquired the star power they did that created a buzz during the 2023 season about Liberty and Aces being the Super Teams in the League thanks to the amazing talent that is on both squads.
Now it is time for some rest and preparation for both squads as buzz starts to build for the 2023 WNBA Finals Game 1 to be held at the Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas at 3:00 p.m. With the action to air on the ABC Network.
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