It’s not over till it’s over, and with the Las Vegas Aces riding high and leading the series going into Game 3, New York shifted the momentum and came away with the win to stay in the Finals.
As we get ready to watch the new showdown, let’s take a look back at what happened on Sunday. Here’s a quick recap to get you excited before the match begins.
Key moments from Game 3
Aja Wilson rocks all-black outfit in the tunnel…and drop a double-double
Don’t worry, we all agree. No one was going to stand in A’ja Wilson’s way, especially since she rocked an all-black suit before Game 3 of the WNBA Finals. The black Air Force 1s sent the message that she and the Aces were serious about securing another championship ring.
Despite the loss, Wilson finished the game with a double-double of 16 points and 11 rebounds.
France supports Marine Johannes
France has a veritable “Famille de Basketball,” which translates to “basketball family” in English. Early in the WNBA Finals, Liberty wing Marine Johannes showed her support for France’s Player of the Year, Victor Ouenbayama. Tony Parker and Ouenbayama himself returned the favor this weekend. Parker flew in to Game 3 to talk to the Liberty shooter personally, and Ouenbayama showed his love by wearing Liberty’s No. 23 jersey ahead of a preseason game. It’s a game that respects the game.
Barclays Electricity Environment
Liberty fans were out cheering on their hometown team on Sunday, but so were former basketball players and celebrities. There were too many to count: Dawn Staley, who surprised Ted Lasso actor Jason Sudeikis; Good Morning Americaand four members of the Liberty Ring of Honor, including Vicki Johnson, Crystal Robinson, Teresa Weatherspoon and Sue Wicks. If Becky Hammon and Rebecca Lobo are included, six of the seven members were in attendance.
New York is in Game 3 and I’m excited to see what happens on Wednesday night.
Jonquel Jones departs
The 2021 WNBA MVP has the makings of a DAWGG. Jones said, “No, no, no, not today,” over and over. She had three total attempts at easy-looking layups denied into the courtside bleachers.
Jones not only hosted a block party in Brooklyn, but he also did it all, grabbing rebounds and making passes to Betnijah Rainey. JJ was in top form and performed in a must-win game.
Joan Jett loves rock and roll and liberty
It was a win-or-lose situation for the New York Liberty. Longtime Liberty fan and rock legend Joan Jett was there to watch the action. There was no voodoo doll this time, but her mere presence brought New York good fortune. Would she play in Game 4?
Stewie blocks Aja and Kelsey in under a minute
There’s a reason Breanna Stewart was named to the All-Defensive First Team. Late in the third quarter, with Vegas struggling to get back in the game, Wilson attempted an elite mid-range fadeaway, but Stewart had other plans. Watch the clip and then press play. See what she just did?
New York launches a deep attack to secure victory
Did you think New York would miss those open shots again? No, they were all focused on one point. In the final six minutes of the game, the Liberty had five different players take five shots from beyond the 3-point line and missed them all. It was a game in the making.
Ruby takes center stage at post-match press conference
Stewie’s daughter Ruby re-emerged after the third match and provided perhaps the best moment of Sunday. The highlight came when Stewie, Sandy Brondello and Jones tried to answer post-match questions. Ruby was by their side as they walked up and down the stairs to the stage. She was in high spirits.
Photo via Getty Images
