Story perspectives

Liberty Fall to Valkyries, Jones Scores 29 First Half

6/30/2026

Summary

Liberty Loses

New York Liberty lost to Golden State Valkyries Sunday, keeping a 12-8 record before Commissioner’s Cup Final.
Liberty turned ball over 12 times, fewer than the 15 turnovers in their earlier meeting.
Jonquel Jones posted 29 first-half points and handled the pick-and-roll.
Sabrina Ionescu denied Williams in the lane as Valkyries’ tighter switching defense cut Liberty late-clock half-court shots from nine to three while the Astier-Ionescu backcourt added rim pressure.

Summary

Liberty Preps Finals

Coach Chris DeMarco said the Liberty must turn it on and create their own runs after falling behind.
The bench, outscored 39-11, contributed to 29 points in the first half and 65 overall, while Sabrina Ionescu recorded zero points at halftime for the fourth time this year.
The Liberty now prepares for the Commissioner's Cup final versus the Las Vegas Aces, a rematch of their only win since June 19.

History

Historical Context

In 1997 the WNBA launched with eight teams, and the Houston Comets defeated the New York Liberty 65-51 to claim the inaugural championship before a sellout crowd of 16,285. That first title established a competitive culture that endures; today the Liberty, now 12-8 and facing the Las Vegas Aces in the Commissioner's Cup final, echo those early challenges.

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Liberty Loses

New York Liberty lost to Golden State Valkyries Sunday, keeping a 12-8 record before Commissioner’s Cup Final.
Liberty turned ball over 12 times, fewer than the 15 turnovers in their earlier meeting.
Jonquel Jones posted 29 first-half points and handled the pick-and-roll.
Sabrina Ionescu denied Williams in the lane as Valkyries’ tighter switching defense cut Liberty late-clock half-court shots from nine to three while the Astier-Ionescu backcourt added rim pressure.

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