Lincolnwood native Jewell Loyd (Niles West) and her Las Vegas Aces teammates have defeated Phoenix Mercury 97-86 in Game 4 of the WNBA Finals to sweep the series.
Loyd continued to impact the game of the bench for the Aces. In Game 4, she had 12 points (4-10 FG, 4-8 3PT) with four rebounds (three offensive), an assist, a steal, a block, a turnover, and a +18 plus-minus in 31 minutes.
She was tied with her teammate Chelsea Gray with a game-high four made 3-pointers. But she did have a game-high plus-minus.
During the WNBA Finals, Loyd shot 46.3 percent (19-21 FG) from the field and 44.8 percent (13/29 3PT) from beyond the arc. Both of which are much better than her season averaged of 38.9 and 38.2 percent.
Loyd’s embracing off her bench role helped turn around the season for Las Vegas. After taking on the role, the Aces went 18-1 in the regular season and 8-3 in the playoffs.
Best part yes, the Gold Mamba and her team is as good as gold when it comes to winning in the finals. She and her teammates swept finals appearance.
This is Loyd’s third WNBA champions but first with the Aces. She won in 2018 and 2020 with the Seattle Storm.
Only Rebekkah Brunson (5), Sue Bird (4), Maya Moore (4), Seimone Augustus (4), Sheryl Swoopes (4), Tina Thompson (4), and Cynthia Cooper (4) have more than Loyd.
Gray and A’ja Wilson also join in Loyd in the 3-timer party. Loyd is also tied with Naperville’s own Candace Parker (Hinsdale Central) for most WNBA championships won by an Illinois native. Parker won in 2016 with the Los Angeles Sparks, Chicago Sky in 2020, and the Aces in 2023.
Congrats to Loyd on her successes.
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