New York Liberty Ends Las Vegas Aces’ Bid for Historic Three-Peat, Kelsey Plum’s Remarks Resurface
In a playoff showdown that marked the culmination of a long-standing rivalry, the New York Liberty’s commanding 76-62 victory over the Las Vegas Aces on Sunday abruptly ended the Aces’ hopes of a historic three-peat. With the win, New York advanced to the WNBA Finals, while the defending champions, led by Kelsey Plum, were left reflecting on a year of bold predictions and unfulfilled expectations.
The Aces, who captured back-to-back titles in 2022 and 2023, entered this year’s postseason looking to solidify their dominance with a third consecutive championship. Their bid for history, however, was thwarted by a resilient Liberty team that had grown stronger in both chemistry and performance over the past year. The victory was not only a testament to New York’s talent but also a symbolic redemption for the Liberty, who had been on the receiving end of pointed criticism from Plum following last year’s finals.
The Remarks That Lingered
Less than a year ago, the Aces celebrated their second straight WNBA championship with a 3-1 series win over the Liberty. It was an emphatic conclusion to the 2023 season, but in the aftermath, Plum made headlines for her comments on New York’s perceived lack of unity. In an interview following the Aces’ victory, Plum suggested that while the Liberty had plenty of individual talent, they lacked the cohesion needed to win at the highest level.
“We also knew that, as much as they’re a team, they’re not a team, if that makes sense,” Plum said at the time, according to Yahoo Sports. “They’re really good individual players, but they don’t care about each other. And you can tell in those moments. They revert back to individual basketball.”
Plum’s comments did not sit well with many in the Liberty organization, and they resurfaced in the lead-up to this year’s playoff clash between the two powerhouses. New York’s players and coaches acknowledged the remarks but remained focused on the task at hand: defeating the reigning champions and proving that they had evolved into a true team.
Liberty’s Transformation
The Liberty’s rise over the past year has been nothing short of remarkable. Led by MVP candidate Breanna Stewart and All-Star guard Sabrina Ionescu, New York posted the best regular-season record in 2024, showcasing a balanced attack that blended individual talent with team-oriented play. Stewart, who joined the Liberty in 2023 after a storied career with the Seattle Storm, has been a transformative presence, both as a leader on the court and in the locker room. Meanwhile, Ionescu’s sharp shooting and playmaking abilities have provided the Liberty with the offensive spark needed to compete against the league’s top teams.
In contrast to Plum’s claims, the Liberty’s success this season has been built on unselfishness and trust. Head coach Sandy Brondello has emphasized the importance of team chemistry, and her players have bought into the system. Whether it’s Stewart’s defensive prowess, Ionescu’s ability to distribute the ball, or the contributions of role players like Jonquel Jones and Courtney Vandersloot, New York’s success has been a true collective effort.
Redemption in the Playoffs
When the Liberty and Aces met in this year’s playoffs, there was more than just a finals berth on the line—there was pride and redemption at stake. After dropping Game 1 of the series, New York bounced back with consecutive wins, setting the stage for a decisive Game 4. With their backs against the wall, the Aces struggled to find their rhythm, while the Liberty played with a sense of urgency and unity that defied Plum’s earlier criticism.
Stewart and Ionescu once again led the charge, combining for 41 points, while the Liberty’s defense smothered the Aces’ high-powered offense. Plum, who had been a vocal leader for the Aces throughout the season, was held to just 14 points, and Las Vegas never found the spark they needed to extend the series.
After the game, Aces head coach Becky Hammon addressed the lingering tensions between the two teams, acknowledging that the trash-talking from both sides had added an extra layer of intensity to the matchup.
“We talked our crap, they heard it, and they get to talk their crap now,” Hammon said. “It’s part of the game.”
For the Liberty, however, the victory was about more than just trash talk—it was about proving that they were, indeed, a team in every sense of the word.
Looking Ahead
With their victory over the Aces, the Liberty have secured their spot in the WNBA Finals, where they will look to capture their first-ever championship. Their journey to this point has been defined by growth, resilience, and a commitment to team basketball—a stark contrast to the criticisms that followed them last year.
As for the Aces, their bid for a three-peat may have fallen short, but their reign as one of the WNBA’s top teams is far from over. Plum, A’ja Wilson, and the rest of the Aces’ core will undoubtedly regroup and come back stronger next season. For now, though, the spotlight belongs to the Liberty and their quest for a title that has eluded them for so long.
In the end, the 2024 playoffs have not only reignited one of the WNBA’s fiercest rivalries but also served as a reminder that in basketball, team chemistry can be just as important as individual talent. As the Liberty continue their march towards a potential championship, they do so with the satisfaction of having silenced their doubters—and, perhaps, even Kelsey Plum herself.
