Liberty Thrill Fans with Playoff Win vs. A'ja Wilson, Aces to Advance to WNBA Finals

Doric SamOctober 6, 2024

LAS VEGAS, NV - OCTOBER 6: Sabrina Ionescu #20 of the New York Liberty drives to the basket during the game against the Las Vegas Aces during Round 2 Game 4 of the 2024 WNBA Playoffs on October 6, 2024 at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by David Becker/NBAE via Getty Images)

David Becker/NBAE via Getty Images

Nearly a year after the Las Vegas Aces ended their hopes for a WNBA championship, the New York Liberty returned the favor on Sunday.

The Liberty defeated the Aces 76-62 in Game 4 of the WNBA Semifinals to win the series 3-1 and reach the WNBA Finals for the second straight year. The loss ends Las Vegas' bid for a third straight WNBA title.

Star guard Sabrina Ionescu led the way for New York with 22 points, seven rebounds, two assists and two steals. She connected on five of her eight three-pointers. Breanna Stewart added 19 points, 14 rebounds, five assists and four blocks, while Jonquel Jones had 14 points and six rebounds.

2024 WNBA MVP A'ja Wilson led the Aces with 19 points, 10 rebounds and five blocks, while Kelsey Plum added 17 points.

The Liberty entered the fourth quarter with just a two-point lead before outscoring the Aces 23-11 in the frame to put the game away.

Fans on social media were excited by New York's big win over its rival on Sunday:

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Bleacher Report @BleacherReport
LIBERTY ELIMINATE ACES FROM THE WNBA PLAYOFFS 🤯 <a href="https://t.co/L0gznVBE9y">pic.twitter.com/L0gznVBE9y</a>

WNBA @WNBA
BACK TO THE FINALS 🗽 The New York Liberty closes the series at 3-1, toppling the defending champs to punch their ticket to the 2024 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WNBAFinals?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WNBAFinals</a> presented by <a href="https://twitter.com/YouTubeTV?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@YouTubeTV</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WelcometotheW?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WelcometotheW</a> <a href="https://t.co/TFGFLgSqb0">pic.twitter.com/TFGFLgSqb0</a>

New York Liberty @nyliberty
FINALS BOUND 🗽 Time to seal the deal. 🤝💼 <a href="https://t.co/ttFM3OetOo">pic.twitter.com/ttFM3OetOo</a>

DJ Sixsmith @DJ_Sixsmith
Sabrina Ionescu is the biggest reason why the Liberty knocked the Aces out of the playoffs. Sab had 20 or more points in all three wins in the series and knocked down 5 triples today. The Lib have a real shot to win their first title ever <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WNBA?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WNBA</a><a href="https://t.co/rIKwRkOuty">pic.twitter.com/rIKwRkOuty</a>

annalisa 🗽 SEAFOAM SZN @dynastysgaga
NEW YORK LIBERTY ARE GOING TO THE WNBA FINALS WHAT DID I SAY <a href="https://t.co/XOHYwMXUi7">pic.twitter.com/XOHYwMXUi7</a>

Julito McCullum aka LITO @IamJulito
NY LIBERTY! <a href="https://t.co/l3zS9jAOqv">pic.twitter.com/l3zS9jAOqv</a>

New York Basketball @NBA_NewYork
Your Liberty are back in the Finals <a href="https://t.co/xacobA6gOH">pic.twitter.com/xacobA6gOH</a>

The Liberty await the winner of the second WNBA semifinal series between the Minnesota Lynx and Connecticut Sun. The Lynx hold a 2-1 lead entering Sunday's Game 4.

New York will return to action in Game 1 of the WNBA Finals on Thursday.