Liberty Victorious
New York Liberty Top Las Vegas Aces 87-76, Led by Stewart and Ionescu
The New York Liberty handed the Las Vegas Aces an 87-76 loss on the road Monday night, June 23, in what amounts to a dress rehearsal for the Commissioner's Cup Championship. Breanna Stewart led all scorers with 20 points, while Sabrina Ionescu added a double-double — 16 points and 10 rebounds — as New York pulled away in the second half at Michelob ULTRA Arena Seattle PI.
The two teams will meet again on June 30 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn for the Commissioner's Cup title game. The win gives New York a psychological edge and home-court advantage, earned by finishing Cup pool play with the best winning percentage in the league Yahoo Sports.
Stewart and Ionescu Take Over in the Second Half
New York led by seven at halftime but blew the game open in the third quarter. Center Han Xu poured in 10 of her 12 points during that stretch, helping the Liberty build a 67-51 lead heading into the fourth Las Vegas Sun. Stewart and Ionescu combined for 15 of their 20 points after the break.
Las Vegas tried to claw back. The Aces went on an 8-0 run with 2:40 remaining, cutting the deficit to 78-70. Stewart and Ionescu answered with back-to-back 3-pointers to seal it. Guard Jackie Young led Las Vegas with 19 points and 7 assists, and A'ja Wilson added 16 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists — but it was not enough The Messenger.
Ionescu Returns from Injury, Looks Like Herself Again
Monday's game was just Ionescu's second start back from a back injury. She finished with a double-double and looked fully recovered. Liberty first-year head coach Chris DeMarco put it plainly: "Rust does not erase instinct" Yahoo Sports CA.
DeMarco took over in December 2025 after the Liberty parted ways with Sandy Brondello — the coach who led them to the 2024 championship. Brondello now coaches the expansion Toronto Tempo. This road win in Las Vegas signals that New York's transition to new leadership is on solid footing Las Vegas Sun.
$500,000 Prize and a Rivalry Renewed on June 30
The Commissioner's Cup Championship is set for June 30 at Barclays Center. The winning team splits a $500,000 prize pool among its active roster players Seattle PI. New York finished pool play with a point differential of +69, the best in the tournament.
Beyond the money, both teams are playing for a cause. The Liberty are raising funds for the African American Policy Forum. They brought in $18,000 during pool play alone. The Aces are representing the Public Education Foundation Yahoo Sports.
Giannis Trade Looms Over the Arena in Las Vegas
The game shared the spotlight with a massive NBA story. Just 24 hours before tip-off, the Milwaukee Bucks traded two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Miami Heat. The deal included Tyler Herro, Kel'el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and three first-round picks The Messenger.
Giannis was courtside at Michelob ULTRA Arena alongside Bam Adebayo, who is A'ja Wilson's partner. Giannis cannot officially join Miami until July 6, but his presence dominated the broadcast. It was the 55th consecutive sellout at "The House" in Las Vegas Las Vegas Sun.
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