Full Breakdown
Liberty Upset Aces 87-76 Ahead of Commissioner's Cup Final
6/24/2026, 11:33:40 PM
Liberty Defeats Aces 87-76
On June 23, 2026, the New York Liberty beat the Las Vegas Aces 87-76 at Michelob Ultra Arena. Sabrina Ionescu posted 16 points and 10 rebounds, her first double-double of the season, while Breanna Stewart added 20 points.
Stakes and Recent History
The Aces entered with a three-game winning streak and three recent league titles (2022-2025). The Liberty, 2024 champions, had lost two close games the prior week. Both teams will meet again in the Commissioner's Cup final on June 30.
Standout Performances
Ionescu’s 16 points and 10 rebounds anchored New York. Stewart contributed 20 points, six rebounds, and four assists. For the Aces, Jackie Young scored 19 points with seven assists, while A’ja Wilson posted 16 points and nine rebounds.
Numbers at a Glance
New York shot 40 % from three, making seven first-half triples. Las Vegas hit only 8 of 27 attempts (?30 %). The Liberty built a 67-51 lead entering the fourth quarter and outscored the Aces 17-7 in the third.
Implications
The win ends the Aces’ streak and gives the Liberty momentum before the Cup final. For Las Vegas, defensive lapses and poor three-point shooting signal areas to address in the title game.
Official Reactions
Ionescu lauded the Aces as “two of the best organizations in our league,” noting her improvement after injury. Hammon called the loss a “learning point,” stressing missed looks and the need for defensive adjustments.
Aces’ Defensive Concerns
Hammon highlighted the Aces’ three-point defense, saying the team “missed a lot of good looks” and that “some of that was their defense, but some of that is on us.” Young added that the squad must “clean up some things on the defensive end of the ball.”
Courtside Spotlight
NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo and Heat center Bam Adebayo watched the game from courtside seats, reflecting the WNBA’s rising profile.
Venue Discrepancy
One source lists the Cup final location as “New York,” while another specifies “Brooklyn, New York,” leaving the exact arena unconfirmed.
Direct Voices
- “Two of the best organizations in our league.” — Sabrina Ionescu, Liberty guard
- “[The Aces] have continued to pave the way in what they've done, contending every single year, winning multiple championships.” — Sabrina Ionescu, Liberty guard
- “I'm just better and better every day.” — Sabrina Ionescu, Liberty guard
- “We are going to look at this as a learning point, but I thought we missed a lot of good looks. Some of that was their defense, but some of that is on us.” — Becky Hammon, Aces head coach
- “We played hard tonight, and we just have to go back and clean up some things on the defensive end of the ball.” — Jackie Young, Aces guard
What's Next
The two clubs will clash again on June 30, 2026, for the Commissioner's Cup championship, with New York aiming to sustain its road surge and Las Vegas seeking defensive fixes.
