Las Vegas is in for an exciting week ahead, as both the WNBA Finals and the NBA are scheduled to take place in Nevada during this action-packed week. This basketball extravaganza coincides with the eagerly anticipated start of the NBA season.
In the Game 1 of the 2023 WNBA Finals, an intense showdown unfolded between the reigning champions, the Las Vegas Aces, and the formidable New York Liberty. Jackie Young’s remarkable performance, amassing a career-high 26 points, proved pivotal in securing a commanding 99-82 victory for the Aces on Sunday, granting them a 1-0 series advantage.
The basketball action continues with Game 2 of this best-of-five series set to take place on Wednesday in Las Vegas.
Lebron James, Lakers and star studded list in attendance
As Las Vegas takes the center stage for hosting the WNBA Finals, it becomes evident that there’s ample space to welcome a plethora of athletes and celebrities for a thrilling Game 1, ensuring an entertaining spectacle for all in attendance.
The presence of basketball royalty, LeBron James, accompanied by several of his teammates and fellow players from the Brooklyn Nets, graced the court side seats.
Adding to the star-studded lineup, the Las Vegas Aces’ recently announced minority owner, Tom Brady, shared the court side view alongside WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert. And, in a remarkable show of solidarity with his local Las Vegas community, former boxing legend Floyd Mayweather was also spotted court side, pledging his support.
King James greets WNBA MVP Breanna Stewart postgame
Despite a hard-fought contest that saw the Aces rally late in the fourth quarter, it was impossible to ignore the extraordinary effort put forth by Breanna Stewart. She showcased her skills with an impressive stat line of 9 rebounds, 2 assists, and 21 points in a 36-minute performance, reaffirming her status as the league’s MVP. Even LeBron James took notice and acknowledged her exceptional contribution.
James and Stewart shared a heartfelt moment after the game when he approached her, offering a warm hug following the Liberty’s victory in Game 1 against Las Vegas. It was a remarkable and heartwarming scene, symbolizing the unity between two basketball communities. This glimpse into the future serves as a tantalizing preview of what it might be like when Las Vegas receives the green light to establish its very own NBA expansion team.
Check out our coverage of Game 1 of the WNBA Finals between the Las Vegas Aces and New York Liberty down below:
