The NY Liberty claim their first-ever Commissioner's Cup title

The GIST: The NY Liberty overpowered the Las Vegas Aces 82–63 in last night’s Commissioner's Cup game, earning the seafoam superstars their first-ever Commish Cup title and a cool $30K bonus per player. Throw it up, throw it up.

How it happened: After an uncharacteristically slow start for both squads, the Libs caught fire in the second half. NY’s Marine Johannes (17 points) impressed off the bench, stepping up while the typically reliable Breanna Stewart endured an off shooting night.

• Plus, the Liberty’s other superstars shined bright. Sabrina Ionescu poured on the threes in the second half, while Jonquel Jones balled out with a double-double, earning the Commissioner's Cup MVP honors.

• As for the Aces, they made a late push on their home court, but couldn’t overcome a down night from A’ja Wilson, who only scored nine points and none in the second half. Tough one.

What’s next: The victory officially gives the Libs the edge in the season-long superteam battle, improving their 2023 record to 2-1 against the Aces while handing Vegas their first home loss of the season. And while many expect last night’s showdown to be a preview of the WNBA Finals, fans won’t have to wait long for a rematch.

• Regular-season W play resumes tomorrow with Vegas hosting NY once again, this time at 10 p.m. ET. But before that, WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert is reportedly making a trip to Denver to scout out a potential expansion location. Stay tuned.