The 2023 WNBA Finals are set with the “superteam” matchup marked since the beginning of the season. The reigning champions in the Las Vegas Aces will face off against the newly rebuilt New York Liberty. Here’s a breakdown of the matchup set to begin on Sunday, Oct. 8.
Courtney Vandersloot vs. Chelsea Gray
The two best point guards in the league will face off against each other in the Finals. Both are equally skilled in ball handling, running the floor, and attacking the paint. Gray’s offensive skillset does give the Aces the advantage, especially from three-point range. Meanwhile, Vandersloot provides the Liberty with a slight edge defensively and can also spread the floor better. A near-equal matchup that will be fun to watch.
Sabrina Ionescu vs. Kelsey Plum
Two hot shooting guards that are capable of scoring from multiple areas. Plum’s stats took a slight decline from 2022, while Ionescu’s shooting percentages improved from last season. Ionescu’s 3-point shooting will remain key for a Liberty championship. However, Plum is much better defensively and could limit Ionescu’s shooting. Two offensive powerhouse that are expected to be defended well throughout the Finals.
Betnijah Laney vs. Jackie Young
Each team’s defensive specialists will face off in this best-of-5 Finals. Laney saw 20 or more points in the last three games against the Connecticut Sun in the semifinals. Meanwhile, Jackie Young continues to be the Aces’ underrated star. She averaged career highs in points per game (17.6), field goal shooting (52.3%), and 3-point shooting (44.9%). Laney will be tasked with a tough assignment to limit Young’s shooting.
Breanna Stewart vs. A’ja Wilson
The recently crowned MVP, Breanna Stewart, will face off against the 2022 MVP, A’ja Wilson. During their regular season matchups, Stewart held a slight edge over Wilson. Through their four games, Stewart averaged 18 ppg and 7.5 rebounds per game. Meanwhile, Wilson’s averages were 17.3 ppg and 6.5 rpg. Wilson also holds the defensive edge over Stewart, having won the league’s Defensive Player of the Year award once again. This Finals matchup could end up as one of the best the league has ever seen.
Jonquel Jones vs. Kiah Stokes
Jonquel Jones was the key for the Liberty winning their series against the Connecticut Sun. Stokes will be dealt with the tough task of defending Jones and limiting her rebounding. Furthermore, Jones saw an uptick in her production after the All-Star break and averaged a double-double throughout the first two rounds of the playoffs. This should be a major advantage for New York inside if Jones can remain out of foul trouble.
Bench: Thornton/Dolson/Johannès vs. Clark/Bell/George
Las Vegas Aces only have gone seven deep for most of the season. Alysha Clark was named the league’s Six Woman of the Year and has averaged 21 minutes per game during the playoffs… Meanwhile, Kayla Thornton‘s ability to play multiple positions and defend the opposing team’s best player will be key for the Liberty. Kiersten Bell will be asked to cover about ten minutes per game and knock down a shot or two. Stefanie Dolson has been a near non-factor for New York this season, having missed 17 games due to injury. Dolson’s experience with the Chicago Sky’s 2021 championship run could be critical if Jonquel Jones gets into foul trouble.
Cayla George barely played for the Aces in the playoffs but could see minutes over Stokes to give Vegas some more offense inside. Marine Johannès saw her role lessened during the playoffs as the Liberty needed more defense than offense in both of their series against Washington and Connecticut. However, her role could be increased in the Finals if either Ionescu or Laney struggles offensively.
Intangibles
Candace Parker. Her status for the finals remains silent and there was never a timetable given to her injury. If available for any games in the Finals, this could give the Aces a slight advantage.
Home crowd. All five games of the Finals are expected to be sellout houses. The league has not had the entirety of the Finals sold out since the 2004 Finals between the Connecticut Sun and Seattle Storm.
The Best-of-5 WNBA Finals will begin on Oct. 8 at 3 p.m. EST on ABC.
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