Full Breakdown
Liberty Defeats Aces 87-76 in Las Vegas, Highlighting Depth Ahead of Commissioner's Cup Final
6/26/2026, 12:31:36 PM
Core Event
On June 23, 2026, the New York Liberty beat the Las Vegas Aces 87-76 at Michelob Ultra Arena, improving to 12-6 and ending the Aces’ five-game streak.
Background & Context
The Aces entered as three-time WNBA champions (2022-2025) and 2022-2023 Commissioner's Cup winners. The Liberty, 2024 champions, had won the 2023 Cup. The two met in the 2023 Cup final, a rivalry now renewed.
Key Figures & Groups
Breanna Stewart scored 20 points, 12 in the final ten minutes. Sabrina Ionescu posted a 16-point, 10-rebound double-double. Jonquel Jones added 14, Han Xu 10. For the Aces, A’ja Wilson was limited to 16 points (38.9 % shooting) and Jackie Young 19 points on 1-for-6 three-point shooting. Bench forward Betnijah Laney-Hamilton contributed steady minutes.
Data & Statistics
The Liberty out-scored the Aces in the paint 32-30 and held Las Vegas to a single three-pointer. New York shot 53 % overall, while the Aces shot 45 %. Wilson’s field-goal percentage fell to a career-low 38.9 %.
Why It Matters / Impact
The win underscored the Liberty’s depth, showing multiple players can score and defend, a quality prized in postseason series. It positions New York as a contender for the June 30 Commissioner's Cup final and the WNBA playoffs.
Official Statements & Responses
Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu commended the Aces as a leading organization in the league. Coach Chris DeMarco acknowledged that the Liberty is still developing but possesses many tools. Forward Breanna Stewart highlighted the intensity of the rivalry and the need for aggressive play.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics highlighted the Aces’ defensive lapses, noting Wilson’s season-low 16 points and 38.9 % shooting and the team’s inability to defend the paint and limit three-point attempts, which allowed the Liberty to control the game.
Verbatim Quotes
- “[The Aces] have continued to pave the way in what they've done, contending every single year, winning multiple championships.” — Sabrina Ionescu, Guard, New York Liberty
- “We’re obviously not a finished product,” Chris DeMarco said, “but from day one we’ve been talking about being really hard to guard.” — Chris DeMarco, Head Coach, New York Liberty
- “Her and I, we’ve kind of been going back and forth and going at it for years now,” Stewart said. “Anytime we do it, we know it’s a big moment and the win is most important.” — Breanna Stewart, Forward, New York Liberty
- “We’re a veteran team, so we understand that moments like that can either make or break you, and it’s a long season,” Ionescu said. “We must focus together, not let it happen again, and keep growing.” — Sabrina Ionescu, Guard, New York Liberty
What’s Next
The Liberty travel to New York for the Commissioner's Cup final on June 30. Las Vegas hosts the Dallas Wings Thursday night, looking to rebound from the loss.
