Short-handed Aces survive wild ending in Game 4 to clinch back-to-back WNBA titles

Coming back from a double-digit deficit, the Aces crawled all the way back to take the lead late. Yet, after a 5-0 run by the Liberty, the Aces were nursing a one-point lead with 8.1 seconds left in the fourth quarter. Nevertheless, with their backs against the wall, outstanding team defense from Vegas forced New York to search for an open look frantically on their final possession. They ultimately settled on a desperation air ball from guard Courtney Vandersloot. 

The Aces entered the game knowing they'd be without starting guard Chelsea Gray and center Kiah Stokes, out with foot injuries. They stepped up instead of crumbling, even if it wasn't easy. Forwards Alysha Clark and Cayla George filled in nicely, combining for 21 points (8-of-21), 12 rebounds, five assists and three steals. It was a solid second-half effort and the play of guard Jackie Young and eventual Finals MVP A'ja Wilson, though, that powered the Aces to victory. 

Trailing by nine at halftime, 39-30, the Aces turned it on in the second half, outscoring the Liberty 40-30, paced by 24 points and 16 rebounds from Wilson. Wilson was one of four Aces to finish in double figures, joining Clark (10), George (11) and Young (16). 

Wilson also made WNBA history, becoming the sixth former No. 1 overall pick to win league MVP and Finals MVP honors, joining Breanna Stewart, Candace Parker, Diana Taurasi, Lauren Jackson and Maya Moore, per ESPN Stats and Info. 

Without two key leaders, Vegas persevered, and a team effort at the end solidified another trophy for the franchise. The Aces overcame a 12-point second-half deficit, the second largest by a team in a series-clinching game. Meanwhile, the Aces are the third team in WNBA history to win consecutive titles, joining the Houston Comets (1997-2000) and Los Angeles Sparks (2001-2002).