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Will A’ja Wilson Take MVP Snub Revenge From Breanna Stewart? How to Watch WNBA Finals 2023

Published 10/08/2023, 5:00 AM EDT

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There’s a new rivalry brewing in the WNBA. A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart, the centerpieces of the WNBA’s ‘superteams’, are all set to go head-to-head in a battle that would determine not only the league’s champion but also settle an on-court rivalry that has been simmering for some time now. Adding fuel to the fire, A’ja Wilson has been overlooked in the MVP competition. Wilson has the opportunity to wreak retribution on the biggest platform of them all since the slight has not been forgotten.

Could she prove to the world that she is the most valuable player in the league in this Finals game versus Breanna Stewart? Here’s everything you need to know about how to watch the high-stakes showdown that kicks off today.

The 2023 WNBA Finals schedule

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The WNBA Finals is more than just a showdown of superteams; it is the climax of the Stewart-Wilson conflict, a rivalry akin to Diana Taurasi vs. Sue Bird in their prime. Now that both players are at the height of their powers, the stage is set for a match that will go down in history. WNBA fans have been waiting for this battle since the 2023 season kicked off.

Here’s a breakdown of the dates and times for each game:

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Game 1:

  • Date: October 8
  • Time (ET): 3 p.m.

Game 2:

  • Date: October 11
  • Time (ET): 9 p.m.

Game 3:

  • Date: October 15
  • Time (ET): 3 p.m.

Game 4 (if necessary):

  • Date: October 18
  • Time (ET): 8 p.m.

Game 5 (if necessary):

  • Date: October 20
  • Time (ET): 9 p.m.

The Las Vegas Aces, having secured the No. 1 overall seed in the WNBA Playoffs with a stellar 34-6 regular-season record, will enjoy home-court advantage. They’ll kick off the series at the Michelob Ultra Arena in Las Vegas, hosting Games 1 and 2, and if needed, Game 5. On the other hand, Game 3 and if required, game 4, will take place at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.

Meanwhile, where can you watch the WNBA Finals?

How to watch the 2023 WNBA Finals

With the Finals kicking off today at 3. p.m. E.T. in a best-of-five series, here’s how you can watch the WNBA Finals:

ESPN and ABC, two prominent networks, will both air the WNBA Finals in 2023.  But don’t worry if you don’t have access to these channels; we have other options for you. The WNBA Finals in 2023 will also be live-streamed on Sling TV for viewers in the US. Consider YouTube TV, Fubo TV, or DirecTV Choice if Sling TV isn’t your cup of tea. You won’t miss a single dunk or three-pointer as these platforms also provide access to ESPN, ESPN2 and ABC.

Meanwhile, will Wilson prove to the world that she was the most valuable player in the league in this Finals game versus Breanna Stewart?

A’ja Wilson VS. Breanna Stewart: Breaking down the stats

The Aces and Stew York City have taken different paths to build a ‘superteam’. The Aces created a powerhouse around Wilson, who turned out to be their cornerstone, using strategies like tanking seasons and making use of the lottery system. Stewart, on the other hand, made the trip from Seattle to New York City, where they joined forces to form a dangerous partnership with Sabrina Ionescu. They also added Jonquel Jones to their roster. In response, the Aces inserted two-time MVP Candace Parker into their starting lineup.

With the addition of Parker, the Aces initially appeared unbeatable. But Candace Parker’s foot injury revealed defensive flaws, causing her to sit out the majority of the season. In contrast, Stew York City’s roster came together under pressure and is currently putting the Aces on notice.

Despite the absence of Parker, A’ja Wilson has successfully led the Aces to the Finals. As for the Aces, the addition of Breanna Stewart to the roster helped them make a return to the Finals stage after 21 years. It’s time to break down the stats and stories that make this rivalry one for the ages.

Stewart is a scoring marvel and averages 23 points per game while shooting 46.5% from the field and 85% from the line. She averages 9.3 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.6 blocks and 1.5 steals per game while maintaining a staggering 28.5 PER. On the other side of the court, A’ja Wilson, averages 22.8 points per game, a mind-blowing field goal shooting percentage of 55.7%, and an 81.5% free-throw success rate. Wilson has a staggering 32.5 PER and averages 9.5 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.4 steals and 2.2 blocks per game.

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Despite her stellar credentials, including the third-highest PER in WNBA history, Wilson’s rejection for her third MVP fuels a passion within her and within her support base. Wilson now follows in the footsteps of Lisa Leslie’s place as the most dominant force in the game by winning trophies like Finals MVP and back-to-back Defensive Player of the Year titles.

On the other hand, Breanna Stewart’s scoring prowess has made her the clear successor to Diana Taurasi’s career scoring record. Stewart has improved her outside shooting, becoming the first player to have three games with 40 points or more in a single season. She was consequently chosen as the WNBA MVP in 2023.

Watch This Story: $170,000,000-Worth Dwyane Wade Expects to Enjoy Investment in WNBA Team More Than in NBA’s Utah Jazz

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Will Breanna Stewart maintain her rapid ascent to the top or will A’ja Wilson get retribution for her MVP snub? Whatever happens, this rivalry is securing its place in women’s basketball history, and the league eagerly anticipates its conclusion, at least until the following summer.

Who are you rooting for? Let us know in the comments below!

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Written by:

Ranjitha Ramesh

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Ranjitha Ramesh is an NBA writer at EssentiallySports. With a degree in Journalism and Mass Communication, Ranjitha has a strong foundation in reporting and writing. Her passion for basketball, particularly the Lakers and LeBron James, fuels her desire to delve into the lifestyle and off-court activities of NBA stars.
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Edited by:

Aayush Kapoor