The Las Vegas Aces became the latest WNBA champions after a 78-71 Game 3 win over the Connecticut Sun on Sunday. This makes them the third team to win their first championship in four years, joining the Washington Mystics and Chicago Sky. 2019 and 2021.
That’s the game!!!!! Las Vegas Aces is your 2022 @WNBA Champion
pic.twitter.com/HA2gqVJBOh
– WSLAM (@wslam) September 18, 2022
The Aces were led by Chelsea Gray (20 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists on 2-3 shooting from beyond the arc) and Licuana Williams (17 points off the bench on 5-9 shooting from distance). Kelsey Plum contributed. 15 points, 3 dimes, 3 steals. Jackie Young dropped 13 points, followed by Aja Wilson with 11 points, 14 rebounds and two blocks.
https://t.co/hVRdHQk7s9 pic.twitter.com/UvvVwON4mA
— Dearica Marie Hamby (@dearicamarie) September 18, 2022
Game 4 was consistent with Connecticut’s preferred style of play, low-scoring and defense-oriented, but the Aces were able to win and win the game, allowing the Sun to screw them up in every way possible. The Aces advanced to their first WNBA Finals on Sunday by finishing 8-0. Williams highlighted a critical comeback win over Natasha Hiedeman that gave Las Vegas a decisive 76-71 lead over the Sun.
“Look. As you can see,” Wilson said during the Aces’ on-court celebration. “This is what we are building. This is what we do. This is it. “I’m so happy now.”
RIQUANA WILLIAMS EVERYONE (VIA) @wnba) pic.twitter.com/0N0xGAsyH1
– WSLAM (@wslam) September 18, 2022
The Las Vegas title capped a successful year for the Aces, who also captured the Commissioner’s Cup, MVP (Wilson), All-Star Game MVP (Plum), Defensive Player of the Year (Wilson) and Most Improved Player (Young). , Coach of the Year (Coach Becky Hammon). Hammon became the first player in WNBA history to win a championship in his first season as a head coach. Hammon served as an assistant on Gregg Popovich’s coaching staff with the San Antonio Spurs for eight years.
“She was an absolutely incredible person and I think that justifies the way we went after her,” Davis said. Per ESPN. “I can’t wait to see what this ring will look like.”
Hammon changed Las Vegas’ offensive philosophy this season, challenging the Aces to attempt more 3-pointers than ever before. The Aces have responded 343-951 from beyond the arc, making 519 more triples than last season (162-432). Wilson made 31 3-pointers during the regular season. Wilson won her second MVP this season and has now added the title and an Olympic gold medal, cementing her place as a WNBA legend at the age of 26.
With all of Las Vegas’ key players returning next season, the Aces have a chance to become the first WNBA team to win back-to-back championships since the Los Angeles Sparks in 2001-2002.
“It’s a promise to keep the group together,” said Gray, who also won in Los Angeles in 2016. “Think about teams of the past that kept their core groups together, like Minnesota, Phoenix and Seattle. It’s a commitment to excellence and wanting to leave a legacy.
“Especially with a first-year coach, I think our bond has become stronger and stronger. To understand what it takes for an organization to attempt to do this not just for one year, but for multiple years, this is when we talk about legendary franchises. Hopefully, that’s what we can be.”
The Aces will celebrate their title win with a championship parade Tuesday at 5:30 PM PT.
