2022 WNBA Finals

2022 WNBA Finals was the championship series of the 2022 WNBA season and the conclusion of the season's playoffs. The Las Vegas Aces, led by first-year head coach Becky Hammon, defeated the Connecticut Sun four games to one to secure the franchise's first WNBA championship in its 26-year history. The series was broadcast on ESPN and ABC, with Chelsea Gray of the Aces earning Finals MVP honors for her outstanding performance.

Background

The 2022 WNBA season saw the Las Vegas Aces finish with the best regular-season record, earning the top seed in the WNBA playoffs under the guidance of new coach Becky Hammon, a former San Antonio Spurs assistant. The Connecticut Sun, coached by Curt Miller, secured the third seed after a strong campaign led by Jonquel Jones, the 2021 MVP. The Aces' path to the Finals included a semifinal victory over the Seattle Storm and their star Sue Bird, who was playing her final season. The Sun advanced by defeating the Chicago Sky, the defending champions from the 2021 WNBA Finals, in a hard-fought semifinal series. This set up a Finals matchup between two powerhouse teams known for their physical style and defensive intensity.

Series summary

The series was played in a 2–2–1 format, with Games 1 and 2 at Michelob Ultra Arena in Las Vegas, Games 3 and 4 at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut, and a potential Game 5 back in Las Vegas. The Las Vegas Aces won the first two games at home to establish a commanding lead. The Connecticut Sun responded by winning Game 3 on their home court to avoid a sweep. However, the Aces closed out the series by winning Game 4 in Connecticut and then capturing the championship in a decisive Game 5 back in Las Vegas. The Aces' efficient offense, orchestrated by Chelsea Gray and Kelsey Plum, ultimately proved too much for the Sun's defense over the course of the series.

Game summaries

In Game 1 at Michelob Ultra Arena, the Las Vegas Aces secured a 67–64 victory behind a strong defensive effort and key shots from Chelsea Gray. Game 2 was a higher-scoring affair, with the Aces winning 85–71 as A'ja Wilson dominated inside. The series shifted to Mohegan Sun Arena for Game 3, where the Connecticut Sun earned a 105–76 blowout win, fueled by Jonquel Jones and Alyssa Thomas. In a critical Game 4, the Aces withstood a late push from the Sun to win 78–71, with Riquna Williams providing a crucial spark off the bench. The clinching Game 5 back in Las Vegas was a classic, with the Aces prevailing 78–71 behind a masterful performance from Chelsea Gray, who scored 20 points and made several clutch baskets in the fourth quarter to seal the championship.

Rosters and statistics

The championship Las Vegas Aces roster was headlined by A'ja Wilson, the 2020 MVP and Defensive Player of the Year, alongside All-Stars Chelsea Gray, Kelsey Plum, and Jackie Young. Key contributors also included Dearica Hamby and Riquna Williams. For the runner-up Connecticut Sun, the core featured Jonquel Jones, Alyssa Thomas, DeWanna Bonner, and Courtney Williams. Chelsea Gray led all players in the series with averages of 18.2 points and 6.0 assists per game, earning the WNBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award. A'ja Wilson averaged a double-double, while Alyssa Thomas recorded a historic triple-double for the Sun in Game 3.

Aftermath and legacy

The victory gave the Las Vegas Aces their first title since the franchise's founding as the Utah Starzz in 1997 and subsequent moves to San Antonio and Las Vegas. It marked a historic achievement for coach Becky Hammon, who became the first rookie head coach to win a WNBA championship. The series solidified Chelsea Gray's reputation as "Point Gawd" for her clutch play. For the Connecticut Sun, it was a second Finals defeat in four years, having also lost in 2019. The Aces' championship, led by a core of young stars, signaled a potential dynasty and shifted the league's balance of power, influencing subsequent seasons and free agency movements.

Category:WNBA Finals Category:2022 in women's basketball Category:Las Vegas Aces Category:Connecticut Sun