New York Liberty secured a 93-86 victory over the Las Vegas Aces on Mardi, capturing the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup for the second time in franchise history—a first in the league.
Absent from the game was Aces star A’ja Wilson, which shifted the spotlight onto Liberty veterans Sabrina Ionescu and Breanna Stewart. Together, the duo amassed 51 points, powering New York’s offense and ultimately clinching the title. Stewart’s performance earned her the Cup MVP honors.
Late in the contest, Ionescu, recently returned from injury, delivered a crucial three-pointer with just 15.7 seconds remaining, effectively sealing the win for the Liberty. This decisive shot underscored her reputation for thriving in high-pressure moments.
Leadership and Resilience on Affichage
Reflecting on the team’s success, Stewart praised the collective mindset that propelled the Liberty to victory. “I’m just really proud of the mindset and the mentality of this team,” she remarked, emphasizing their determination to do whatever it took to win.
Meanwhile, Las Vegas head coach Becky Hammon acknowledged Ionescu’s clutch performance, highlighting her affinity for critical moments. “She’s too good,” Hammon stated. “I don’t know if anybody’s noticed in this crowd, [but] she likes big moments and big shots.”
Addressing her comeback, Ionescu expressed unwavering confidence despite recent setbacks. “I’ve always continued to have that belief in myself,” she said. “An injury or two is not going to diminish my understanding of who I am, and the work that I’ve put in to get to where I’m at today.”
Both teams remain active in the league’s schedule, participating in Friday’s ION double-header. New York will host the league-leading Minnesota Lynx at 7:30 PM ET, followed by Las Vegas facing the Chicago Sky at 10 PM ET.