Locked on Women’s Basketball: The Aces are champions

It’s time for another episode of the Locked on Women’s Basketball podcast. The latest episode is an instant reaction to the Las Vegas Aces clinching the franchise’s first title with a win in Game 4 of the 2022 WNBA Finals. The Aces beat the Connecticut Sun by a final score of 78-71 to claim the 3-1 series victory.

Host Howard Megdal is joined by New York Liberty beat writer Jackie Powell to discuss the game including what went right for the Aces, what went wrong for the Sun, and the outlook for both teams moving forward.

Howard on what he will remember most about the night:

For me, it will be the wet floor. When I walked into the Las Vegas Aces locker room, just years in the making. For A’ja Wilson, somebody who at just 26 years old has done so much, but is now finally — and some would say so soon, but still for her it doesn’t feel that way — a champion.

And so seeing Kelsey Plum in that locker room. I remember A’ja Wilson chasing and getting that championship in college. I remember Kelsey Plum almost single-handedly doing it, leading her team to the Final Four as a junior, but not getting that elusive championship and being sad about what had happened.

And Chelsea Gray too. Seeing these players who have chased this goal. And then of course, their coach, Becky Hammon, who chased this goal unsuccessfully. Doing everything but [winning a championship] as one of the all-time players in WNBA history. She is now a WNBA champion at last.

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Jackie on why she voted for A’ja Wilson for Finals MVP:

Chelsea Gray has had an unbelievable postseason. If you were to say the MVP of the postseason, then maybe you give it to Chelsea Gray because of her full body of work. But, I voted for A’ja Wilson because of her effect. How she was able to affect these finals in multiple ways, besides shotmaking or rebounding on the glass. So, both [Wilson and Chelsea Gray] we incredibly deserving. I just wonder how close that vote was.

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Users can sign up to join our Playback for free and watch along with a cable or streaming login. New York Liberty beat writer Jackie Powell takes you through the 2022 New York Liberty season, breaking down Xs and Os, the biggest games, and the outlook for 2023 in returning players and free agency.

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