NEW YORK — The New York Liberty are once again Commissioner’s Cup champions.
That was once again the case Tuesday night as heavily favored New York bested the Las Vegas Aces 93-85. But with the game on the line and the Aces mounting a late 17-point comeback, two-time league MVP Breanna Stewart put on her cape, finishing the fourth period with 5 points, four rebounds and two assists to lead New York to victory.
The Aces fought back to take a 2-point lead in the fourth quarter against the Liberty’s second unit. Once Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu re-entered the game, New York went on a 12-0 run over the next three-plus minutes to regain control.
Her 25 points and 11 rebounds, paired with four assists, powered the Liberty over the Aces to make them the first WNBA team to win two Cup titles. It is Stewart’s second Cup MVP trophy and her third title, after also winning the inaugural Cup with the Seattle Storm in 2021.
Without the league’s leading scorer, A’ja Wilson — who was ruled out with a right leg injury Tuesday morning — it was Las Vegas guard Jackie Young who spearheaded the Aces’ surge, pouring in 10 third-quarter points and 15 more in the fourth. She finished with a game-high 31 points.
Beyond Stewart’s championship-saving heroics, it was Ionescu whose team- and season-high 26 points helped the Liberty secure their second Commissioner’s Cup championship crown in three years.
The Liberty beat the Aces in the 2023 Cup final behind a 16-point, 15-rebound double-double from MVP Jonquel Jones. Jones. On Tuesday night, Jones finished with 9 points, nine rebounds and three assists.
This story will be updated.
This article originally appeared in The Athletic.
New York Liberty, Las Vegas Aces, WNBA
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