New York Liberty Take Down the Las Vegas Aces to Capture Second Commissioner's Cup Championship

 

In a battle that came down to the final few minutes, the New York Liberty took the victory over the Las Vegas Aces to become the first 2x WNBA Commissioner's Cup Champions.

Game Recap: New York Takes the Title

The Sab and Stewie Show

Due to the absence of 4x MVP A'ja Wilson, the New York Liberty were considerable favorites heading into this matchup. Because the Aces didn't have their leader and foundation to the team, notable pressure was likely lifted off the shoulders of Liberty stars, Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu. Not only did the two seemingly play freely last night, but they had their best game of the season as a duo last night. Looking to have her breakout game since returning from an ankle injury, Sabrina Ionescu proved herself to be the exact same player she was prior to her temporary setback. Ionescu lead the Liberty in scoring with 26 points along with 5 rebounds and 5 assists. This was huge for New York as Ionescu knocked down several clutch threes to hold or get the lead, as well as give them relief that their star is back. Alongside Ionescu's stellar performance, Breanna Stewart also contributed a 25-point, 11-rebound, and 4-assist double-double. The star duo had it all under control for the Liberty despite the slight struggles of Marine Johannes and Jonquel Jones, and the force of Las Vegas' Jackie Young was in opposition. Because of her monstrous double-double and overall standout performance, Breanna Stewart received Commissioner's Cup MVP, though she made it known that she and Ionescu will share the award for both of their outstanding efforts.

How Much Did the Aces Miss A'ja Wilson?

Wilson's Injury Changes the Equation

Without A'ja Wilson, the Las Vegas Aces don't have the terrifying "big three" that can impact both the frontcourt and backcourt. Although Wilson is their lead scorer and obviously a big loss in scoring, the absence of Wilson also heavily impacted the Aces' defense. One could certainly tell that there was something different about Las Vegas' energy on offense and defense in the post with Steph Talbot in the lineup rather than the 4x MVP. One glaring statistic within this matchup was the fact that the Las Vegas Aces as a team did not record a single block. A'ja Wilson alone averages 2.0 blocks per game, further showing the clear difference in the Aces' ability to defend last night. Fortunately, it has been reported that Wilson's right ankle injury has no serious long-term concerns, with hopes that she will return to the action on Friday, July 3, 2026, when the Aces take on the Chicago Sky.

Jackie Young Steps Up Despite the Defeat, Chennedy Carter Also Contributes

Doing everything she could to keep the Aces tight with the Liberty, Jackie Young showed up and showed out for Las Vegas. Recording a game-high 31 points on 57% shooting, you couldn't ask for more from Young. As expected, Young was the one that Las Vegas leaned on the most to generate points for herself while also setting her teammates up for success. Both Jackie Young and Chelsea Gray recorded 7 assists, but the stats really stop there for Gray. It was an odd off night for Gray as she was without her right-hand woman, A'ja Wilson. While it was primarily the Jackie Young show for the Aces, Chennedy Carter was able to leave her mark as well. The only other player for the Aces to score in double figures aside from Young, Carter contributed 18 points of her own along with 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals. Carter was huge for the Aces' contention in the first half, putting up 12 of her 18 points in the first two quarters. That said, Carter's game was mellowed out in the second half and silenced by the dominance of New York's Sabrina Ionescu.

Stewart and Ionescu Share the Spotlight Off the Court

Following the New York Liberty's 93-85 victory in the Commissioner's Cup Championship, New York's Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu shared a heartwarming gesture in the postgame interview. When asked about the prize pool and motives coming into the game, Breanna Stewart said, "Our player development players, they don't get this money. They don't get this cash prize, and we want to make sure that we give it to them, you know? We want to make sure they feel a part of it because they help us in these games, you know?" Stewart and Ionescu continued with high praise of the Liberty's developmental players, Marine Fauthoux and Anneli Maley. Both Fauthoux and Maley have appeared in 3 games for the Liberty this season, though their impact is far more than what they do on the court as Stewart and Ionescu noted.