A'ja Wilson emotional after sliding Aces fall in Finals rematch - ESPN

LAS VEGAS — The Las Vegas Aces lost their sixth game of 2024 on Saturday — as many as they lost in the entire 2023 regular season — as the New York Liberty prevailed 90-82 in a rematch of last year's WNBA Finals teams before a packed house that included LeBron James at courtside.

Afterward, Las Vegas star A'ja Wilson got emotional talking about what she needs to do to help the two-time defending WNBA champion Aces out of a lull in which they've lost five of their past seven.

«It's hard. I love my teammates so much,» a teary-eyed Wilson said. "[People] say I'm the best player in the world. That's great. But I want to be the best person. I want to be the best teammate, because that's how I get the best out of my team.

«So when it comes to wins and losses… I break this game down piece by piece because I want to be great for my team… great for this franchise. It is hard as s---. Great teams in this league that are going to try to come after you every single night. But when it comes to taking accountability, I have no problem in that. Because I want to be great.»

Wilson, the WNBA's leader in scoring (28.0) and rebounding (11.5), had 21 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists Saturday. But the Liberty won behind center Jonquel Jones, who had a career-high 34 points, along with eight rebounds. Sabrina Ionescu added 15 points and 12 assists and Breanna Stewart had 14 points and 12 rebounds as the Liberty moved to 12-2 this season.

Jones went 12-of-16 from the floor, including 4-of-5 from behind the arc as the Liberty made 12 3-pointers.

«That's the main thing, keeping the defense honest,» said Jones, who was the 2021 WNBA MVP while with the Connecticut Sun. «Understanding there are different levels I can attack the game from. That was