Heading into the 2023 WNBA Finals rematch, both the Liberty and Aces knew each team would make their respective runs.

This is of course to be expected with two super team squads.

Sandy Brondello was ready for a “chess game,” and Las Vegas head coach Becky Hammon still expected the Liberty to play like the “disgruntled team” that sought revenge for last year’s exit – just one round earlier in the semifinals.

Although the Aces entered the Barclays Center in A’ja Wilson jerseys to support the 2024 MVP, the Liberty’s Big 3 of Jonquel Jones, Sabrina Ionescu and Breanna Stewart were the Game 1 MVPs on Sunday and delivered first Hit in the best season. series against Las Vegas with an 87-77 win.

Liberty ran into some trouble in the third quarter after successfully holding the lead over the Aces throughout the game.

Stewart earned her fourth foul with 33.2 seconds left.

The Liberty needed to rely more on Ionescu and Jones in the final quarter after fueling Stewart’s 34-point night.

Ionescu did just that, scoring 21 points while Jones helped contain Wilson.