Brooklyn, N.Y. — In front of an energized home crowd at Barclays Center, the New York Liberty reclaimed the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup championship Tuesday night, defeating the Las Vegas Aces 93-85 behind dominant performances from Sabrina Ionescu and Breanna Stewart.
The victory gave New York its second Commissioner’s Cup title, making the Liberty the first franchise in league history to win the midseason championship twice after also defeating Las Vegas for the inaugural title in 2023.
Ionescu delivered her finest offensive performance of the season, pouring in a game-high 26 points. She caught fire early, scoring 17 points before halftime while shooting 6-for-12 from the field, helping New York build a commanding 51-37 lead at the break. The Liberty’s 51 first-half points set a new Commissioner’s Cup championship game record.
Stewart once again proved why she thrives on the league’s biggest stage. The former MVP finished with 25 points and 11 rebounds while earning Commissioner’s Cup MVP honors for her all-around performance.
“To win our second one, it’s special to do it in Barclays with our fans,” Stewart said following the championship celebration.
After battling through both ankle and back injuries earlier this season, Ionescu’s breakout performance marked a return to the All-Star form that has made her one of the league’s elite guards.
“I always continued to have that belief in myself since I know the work I put in,” Ionescu said. “An injury or two isn’t going to diminish who I am.”
As Commissioner Cathy Engelbert presented the championship trophy, Liberty fans filled the arena with chants of “Sabrina,” celebrating the star guard’s remarkable comeback performance.
Las Vegas entered the championship shorthanded without four-time WNBA MVP A’ja Wilson, who was sidelined after suffering a right ankle injury in Sunday’s victory over the Chicago Sky.
Despite Wilson’s absence, the Aces refused to go quietly.
Jackie Young carried the offensive load, finishing with 31 points, including an explosive 25-point second half that nearly erased New York’s comfortable lead. Young sparked a furious comeback during the third quarter, scoring 10 points over the final six-and-a-half minutes to trim the Liberty advantage to just three points heading into the fourth.
Las Vegas continued its momentum early in the final quarter, using an extended run to take a 71-69 lead and briefly seize control of the contest.
The Liberty answered immediately.
Pauline Astier knocked down a clutch three-pointer to ignite a decisive 15-2 run that shifted the momentum back to New York. Stewart controlled the paint while Ionescu delivered the dagger, drilling a three-pointer with 3:39 remaining to extend the Liberty’s lead to 84-73.
The Aces made one final push, cutting the deficit to 86-82 after another Young three-pointer with 2:26 left. Young had an opportunity to make it a one-possession game in the closing seconds but missed a heavily contested layup. Moments later, Ionescu buried another three-pointer that effectively ended Las Vegas’ comeback hopes.
Aces head coach Becky Hammon praised Young’s effort despite the loss.
“I thought she played phenomenal,” Hammon said. “That shot wasn’t what won or lost the game. She’s a perfectionist and demands a lot out of herself. She needs to give herself a little more grace.”
Las Vegas also overcame an early scare when veteran guard Chelsea Gray left the floor after taking a shot to the face less than two minutes into the game. Gray briefly headed to the locker room before returning later in the first quarter. After the game, she joked that her nose was still “attached.”
Tuesday’s championship marked Stewart’s fourth appearance in a Commissioner’s Cup title game. She captured the inaugural championship with Seattle in 2021, won again with New York in 2023, and helped lead the Liberty back to the championship stage after falling to Minnesota in last year’s final.
The title game also attracted several high-profile guests, including filmmaker Spike Lee and Las Vegas Aces minority owner Tom Brady.
Up Next:
The Aces return home Friday to host the Chicago Sky, while the Liberty will welcome the Minnesota Lynx to Barclays Center in a matchup featuring two of the WNBA’s top contenders.
