The day that fans of the WNBA were all anticipating from the beginning of the 2023 Season, as the Las Vegas Aces faced off against the New York Liberty in Game One the 2023 WNBA Finals. With the series kicking off in Las Vegas and the Michelob ULTRA Arena. It was a close call for the Liberty, as the ladies fell just short of the victory, with the Aces came out on top 99-82.  

In what was an action-packed night on the court, there was a packed crowd in Vegas, in addition to there being ton of celebrities in attendance including NFL Great Tom Brady. Brady recently acquired stakes in the Las Vegas Aces was spotted in attendance as well as, Mark Wahlberg, Kehlani, LeBron James, and Sheryl Swoopes. The fans in attendance even got treated to a performance by Ashanti at halftime. 

Getting back to the action on the floor the Liberty came out blazing in the first quarter going on a 15-6 run. Marine Johannès scored 8 of the 25 points. The French ball player shot an impressive 57.1% while also landing 4-7 three-pointers. Johannès finished with 14 points of the bench, along with grabbing three rebounds, and two assists. Johannes got off to a good start but was trapped in the second half. 

“Our guards, they just had a little bit of a tough night, that’s not going to happen two games in a row. We believe in them. They’ve carried us all season long. We’ll still put the ball in their hands, and we want them to be confident and do what they do. They’re going to be fine. It’s a series. They took the first punch, and now we have to have to respond,” said New York Liberty Head Coach Sandy Brondello.

To see more thoughts from Coach Brondello along with Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones fans are encouraged to check out the video below…. compliments of the New York Liberty:

Courtney Vandersloot recorded her 500th career point in the game, as she currently ranks Second on the WNBA All-Time Playoffs Assists List. Vandersloot passed Lindsay Whalen.

Vandersloot and Sabrina Ionescu both struggled in Sunday evenings game. Ionescu only managed to score seven points, while Sloot finished with 11. 

“Their movement (Las Vegas) got us out of position a little bit,” Coach Brondello said. “One-on-one defense was critical for us, and they got the upper hand in this game. We know we can defend better.”

Jonquel Jones notched her seventh double -double of the postseason. JJ’s stats from Game 1 of the Finals included her shooting from 58.3% from the field, in addition to scoring 16 points and grabbing ten rebounds.

Rounding out the impressive performances for the Liberty is Breanna Stewart, as she totaled a team-high 21 points on 42.1% (8-19) shooting from the field, nine rebounds, and two assists. 

It was in the Second Half of the game that the Aces started to get into a rhythm, as they went on a 14-4 run in the Third Quarter. Las Vegas was able to extend that momentum into the Fourth Quarter as they went on a 20-8 run.

Leading the way for the Aces is Jackie Young and Kelsey Plum, as they both scored 26 points and grabbing five rebounds, while Young also added four assists and three steals.

The 2023 WNBA Finals continues in Game 2 between New York and Las Vegas. Game 2 is going to be played at the Michelob ULTRA Arena on October 11, with the tip scheduled for 9:00 p.m.

For more information on the New York Liberty fans are encouraged to click on the link seen here:

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