Breanna Stewart did not forget being mocked after last year's WNBA Finals. Stewart shot just 3-17 from the floor in the decisive game that saw the Las Vegas Ace

Stewart made a big difference, posting 34 points and becoming the WNBA’s postseason career leader with 35 straight double-digit scoring games. Sabrina Ionescu added 21, and Jonquel Jones turned in a double-double with 13 points and 12 rebounds.

The Liberty scored the first five points of the third quarter and the lead ballooned to 62-44 on a 3-pointer by Stewart. After a timeout, the Aces scored the next 12 points to get within six. Courtney Vandersloot finally ended the drought for New York with a layup that sparked a run to restore a nine-point advantage at the end of the third.

The New York Liberty took Game 1 of the WNBA semifinals, defeating the defending WNBA champion Las Vegas Aces, 87-77, behind a historic outing from forward Breanna Stewart.

Going into the 2023 WNBA Finals rematch, both the Liberty and Aces knew each team would go on their respective runs. It’s natural to expect with two superteam rosters. Sandy Brondello was ready for a “chess game,