Three-Peat Dream Shattered! Aces Eliminated from Finals, Second Loss to Liberty This Season

On October 7th, in the WNBA playoff semifinals, the Aces lost at home 62-76 to the Liberty, losing the series 1-3 and missing out on the finals, thus shattering their dream of a three-peat. The Aces were the defending champions, having won two consecutive titles previously, but their performance in this season’s regular season was average, ultimately only securing the fourth position. Facing their old rival, the Liberty, in the semifinals, the Aces lost the first two games and were pushed into a corner. Fortunately, they managed to win one game back when they returned home. In the crucial Game 4, the Aces kept the score close throughout the first three quarters, trailing by only 2 points at the end of the third quarter. However, in the final quarter, the Aces suddenly struggled offensively, scoring only 11 points in the period, eventually losing by 14 points. They lost the series 1-3, missing out on the finals and the chance to achieve the remarkable feat of a three-peat. Almost all players on the Aces struggled in this game, with Wilson making only 7 of 13 shots for 19 points and 10 rebounds, which can only be considered average for her. Plum made just 5 of 16 shots, Jackie Young hit only 1 of 10 attempts for 4 points, and Gray made only 3 of 8 shots for 7 points. Such performances from key players certainly made it difficult to defeat the formidable Liberty. It is worth noting that the Aces faced the Liberty seven times this season, being swept during the regular season and losing 1-3 in the playoffs, totaling six losses to the Liberty, so their elimination is not unjustified.