New York Liberty Celebrate Title Defense with Win Over Las Vegas Aces in Season Opener

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The New York Liberty kicked off their 2024 WNBA season with a dominant 92-78 victory over the Las Vegas Aces, just moments after unveiling their championship banner and receiving their rings. The highly anticipated season opener at Barclays Center was filled with emotion, excitement, and intensity as the Liberty defended their home court in front of a sellout crowd of 17,344 fans. The game was more than just a season opener – it was a celebration of New York’s historic 2023 WNBA Championship, a first in franchise history. Prior to tipoff, the Liberty took part in a 15-minute ceremony to honor their achievement, with players receiving their championship rings and the championship banner being raised to the rafters. The crowd erupted in cheers as the moment was immortalized, and the Liberty used that energy to fuel their performance throughout the game. Breanna Stewart, the 2023 WNBA Finals MVP, led the Liberty with a commanding 25-point performance, showcasing her scoring ability and versatility. Stewart's poise and composure helped New York build a 14-point halftime lead that would prove crucial as the Aces mounted a second-half rally. Natasha Cloud, the offseason acquisition from Washington, was also pivotal in the Liberty's win. Cloud added 22 points, including two clutch three-point plays during the game’s final stretch to help seal the victory. Cloud’s timely contributions were vital in preventing a late-game collapse. After Las Vegas trimmed the lead to just 66-64 early in the fourth quarter, Cloud’s back-to-back baskets ignited an 8-0 run that pushed the Liberty’s advantage back to double digits with 5:47 remaining. The Aces would never recover.

The Aces, led by the indomitable A’ja Wilson, gave the Liberty all they could handle. Wilson put on a one-woman show, finishing with 31 points and 16 rebounds. Her presence in the paint and ability to dominate offensively kept Las Vegas within striking distance, but the Aces struggled to find consistency after a strong start to the second half. Jackie Young added 16 points, but the Aces were without key reserve Crystal Bradford, who was serving a one-game suspension. This absence, coupled with Jewell Loyd’s tough debut with her new team, left Las Vegas short-handed. Loyd, who was acquired by the Aces in the offseason trade, struggled throughout the game, missing her first four shots before finally getting on the scoreboard with an elbow jumper midway through the second quarter. She ended the game with just five points, a far cry from her usual dynamic self. For the Liberty, the opening game was a statement: they are not resting on their laurels. The victory over the Aces, who were eliminated by New York in last year’s playoff semifinals, proved that the Liberty are ready to defend their crown. The combination of Stewart’s leadership, Cloud’s immediate impact, and the depth of the roster gives the Liberty a balanced and formidable team as they embark on their title defense.

“We came into this game with a lot of energy and excitement. This was the perfect way to start the season,” said Stewart postgame. “We know there’s still a lot of work to do, but this win sets the tone for what we’re aiming for.”

With the banner raised and the championship ring on their fingers, the Liberty have set the bar high for the 2024 season. The question now: can they stay focused and continue to build on this momentum to secure another title? As for the Aces, they’ll need to regroup quickly. Despite Wilson’s standout performance and Young’s solid contributions, the team will need a more complete effort moving forward. The chemistry between Loyd and her new teammates will also be something to monitor in the coming games. The Liberty (1-0) will look to build on their successful opener when they travel to face the Connecticut Sun on Tuesday. The Aces (0-1), meanwhile, will head home to host the Phoenix Mercury as they aim to bounce back from the loss. For now, the Liberty have made their statement: they are the team to beat in 2024, and they’re eager to prove it again on the court.