The New York Liberty secured the WNBA Commissioner's Cup championship Tuesday night, defeating the Las Vegas Aces 93-85 in a hard-fought contest at the Barclays Center. The victory was spearheaded by a resurgent performance from Sabrina Ionescu and a double-double from Breanna Stewart, as the Liberty held off a furious second-half comeback from the Aces.
Ionescu, who had been searching for her rhythm in recent weeks, delivered a season-high 26 points, complemented by five rebounds and five assists. Her clutch three-pointer with 16.8 seconds remaining in the game sealed the victory for New York. Stewart contributed significantly with 25 points, 11 rebounds, and four assists.
The Liberty appeared to be in control early, building a significant double-digit lead in the second half. However, the Aces, led by Jackie Young, mounted a strong rally. Young scored 25 of her game-high 31 points in the second half, erasing the Liberty's advantage and even taking a late lead. Las Vegas was without star A'ja Wilson, who was sidelined with a right leg injury.
Despite the Aces' surge, which included a 10-0 run punctuated by a layup from rookie Pauline Astier assisted by Ionescu, the Liberty found a way to respond. The team's resilience was a key factor, especially after a history of squandering similar leads earlier in the season. Ionescu's early offensive output also set the tone, as she scored the Liberty's first eight points, helping them establish an early 10-2 lead. She finished the first half with 17 points.
This marks the second Commissioner's Cup title for the Liberty franchise, having previously won in 2023. The team also reached the finals in the following year but fell to the Minnesota Lynx. The 2026 championship signifies a return to form for the Liberty and a significant achievement in their season.