Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu Lead Liberty Past Aces in Commissioner’s Cup Final Preview
Jun 23, 2026; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; New York Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu (20) dribbles the ball against Las Vegas Aces guard Jackie Young (0) during the third quarter of a WNBA basketball game at Michelob Ultra Arena. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images
The New York Liberty sent a clear message to the rest of the WNBA on June 23. Traveling to Las Vegas, they dismantled the Las Vegas Aces 87-76 in a game that served as a direct preview of the Commissioner’s Cup Championship final, scheduled for June 30. From tip-off to the final buzzer, the Liberty were in control.
Stewart and Ionescu Combine for a Statement Performance
Breanna Stewart was the Liberty’s engine throughout the night, finishing with 20 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 blocks. Fifteen of her 20 points came in the second half, when New York put the game out of reach. She also knocked down 2 three-pointers as the Liberty shot an impressive 42% from 3-point range as a team.
Sabrina Ionescu added 16 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 assists — her first double-double of the 2026 season. The milestone felt timely. With the Commissioner’s Cup final approaching, Ionescu finding her rhythm as a complete playmaker is exactly what New York needed to see. Jonquel Jones also recorded a double-double, giving the Liberty three players with standout statistical nights.
Liberty Tighten Their Grip on the WNBA’s Best Record
The victory improved New York’s overall record to 12-6, including a strong 6-2 mark on the road. The Aces, meanwhile, fell to 12-5 and dropped to 4-3 at home — a rare stumble for a franchise that has made Las Vegas one of the toughest venues in the league.
Both teams carry championship pedigree into this matchup. The Liberty and the Aces are the two most recent WNBA champions, and their rivalry has become the defining one in the modern era of the league. This regular-season result won’t decide anything on its own, but it does shift momentum firmly in New York’s favor heading into the Commissioner’s Cup final.
For the Aces, the loss raises questions about their ability to contain a Liberty offense that looks increasingly well-rounded. For the Liberty, the performance offered reassurance: their stars are healthy, their shooting is clicking, and their depth is showing up when it matters. June 30 in Las Vegas promises to be a heavyweight clash between two teams that know each other extremely well — and the Liberty just proved they have no fear playing on the road.
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