In a spectacle that could only be likened to the final round of a heavyweight boxing match, the Las Vegas Aces proved their championship mettle by narrowly cinching a victory over the New York Liberty in an exhilarating 70-69 thriller.
It was a classic David and Goliath situation. The Aces were down two critical starters, including the league’s premier point guard, Chelsea Gray. But like true champions, they defied all odds, faced adversity head-on, and emerged victorious against a formidable adversary on their home turf.
This triumph is nothing short of a testament to the Aces’ championship DNA – an intrinsic quality that separates the wheat from the chaff, the champions from the also-rans.
Liberty vs Aces: The Unsung Hero – Alysha Clark
Now, let’s talk about the unsung hero of the night: Alysha Clark. Because without Clark, the headline would not be: Aces win second straight WNBA Championship, it would have been the Liberty force a winner take all Game 5.
An off-season acquisition, Clark played an absolutely pivotal role in this unforgettable game. Her journey to the WNBA was anything but conventional; she entered the league as a high-scoring power forward from Middle Tennessee State. Despite standing at a mere 5-foot-10, Clark led the nation in scoring against taller opponents.
This detail is crucial because Clark’s skills in the post were instrumental in getting critical points and rebounds against the towering Liberty players, Jonquel Jones and Breanna Stewart. Her ability to adapt and thrive under pressure underscores her importance to the team and solidifies her status as the unsung hero of this championship run.
Couple that with Clark’s determination and dedication to this season, as earlier this year, her father passed.
“He’s been with me all season, he’s been my sixth man,” she told ESPN reporter Holly Rowe breaking down in tears after the WNBA Finals. “I know he would be so happy right now. I’m just so happy, I know he’s with me. I wish he could be here. I wish I could hold him. But, this is for him, this entire season.”
But let’s not forget about Breanna Stewart, this year’s MVP, who was disappointingly absent from the decisive Game 4. Despite leaving the Seattle Storm to form a super team in New York, Stewart had a dismal performance, shooting a pitiful 3-17 from the field.
Such a lackluster display is unacceptable for a player of Stewart’s caliber. Her teammates fought valiantly, keeping the game within reach while waiting for their star player to step up. However, when it mattered most, Stewart failed to deliver.
Undisputed: A’ja Wilson Reigns Supreme
Then there’s A’ja Wilson, the player many, including myself, believe should have been this year’s MVP. She rose to the occasion with a performance that can only be described as transcendent. Each time the Liberty threatened to overtake the Aces, Wilson stepped up and said, “No!”
“My teammates, we lean on each other so much at this time,” Wilson said. “We fought through so much adversity throughout the season. We kept the main thing the main thing, and we came out on top. I can’t express how proud I am of my teammates. They picked me up when I was down. We cried together, we prayed together, and now we’re popping champagne together.”
Wilson’s dominance was evident in every critical play, taking control of the game when her team needed her the most. Her impressive double-double of 24 points and 16 rebounds was instrumental to the Aces’ victory.
With an illustrious resume that includes a WNBA Finals MVP, while also being a five-time All-Star, four-time ALL-WNBA, two-time MVP, DPOY, and now a two-time WNBA Champion, all at just 27 years old, there’s no doubt that Wilson is the best player in the world.
The Las Vegas Aces are a juggernaut that shows no signs of slowing down. Their back-to-back WNBA titles are a testament to their dominance in the league. This win isn’t just about the championship; it’s a statement, a declaration to the rest of the WNBA that the Aces aren’t here to participate – they’re here to take over.
With cap space to sign a max player in the off-season, the Aces are poised to extend their reign, sending a clear message to the rest of the WNBA: Good luck keeping up.
In the end, the Aces’ victory is more than just a win. It’s a story of resilience, of fighting against the odds and coming out on top. It’s a story of teamwork and determination, of knowing when to step up and when to pass the ball. It’s a story of champions – and as we all know, champions keep playing until they get it right.
So let’s raise a glass to the Las Vegas Aces, the undisputed champions of the WNBA. And to the rest of the WNBA, take note: The Aces are here, and they’re not going anywhere.
