Liberty Dominate Mystics 86-64 to Secure Commissioner’s Cup Final Berth

Jonquel Jones led the way with 20 points as the host New York Liberty secured their place in the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup championship game following an 86-64 home victory over the Washington Mystics on Sunday.

Breanna Stewart earned a double-double with 14 points, 12 rebounds, and a career-high seven blocks for the Liberty (10-4, 5-0 Commissioner’s Cup).

The win marks the Liberty’s seventh straight, maintaining their dominant form in the season and tournament play.

Michaela Onyenwere spearheaded Washington (5-7, 2-3) with 17 points, while Sonia Citron contributed 12. However, the Mystics were hampered by shooting struggles, hitting just 29.4% overall and only 1-of-3 from behind the arc in the first period.

Sabrina Ionescu, returning from a recurrence illness, made her presence known despite bench minutes, contributing five points in 26 minutes. Her return, along with that of role players Sabally (seven points, six assists) and Laney-Hamilton (four points), strengthened New York’s depth as they showcased their star trio in a game where the opposing team played without starter Kiki Iriafen, who sustained a sprained ankle.

Washington trailed by four entering the second period but could not close the gap, as New York led 20-13 by the first quarter’s end. Steffen addition Steffen added a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds coming at the midpoint of play, extending a sizable lead. In the third, Washington hit 4 of 6 triples to stay competitive, cutting the margin to 63-50 in the fourth. However, the run would be short-lived with Liberty stretching the lead to 17 points at the midpoint of the fourth period by virtue of the Jones three-point shot, which prompted a cascade into the game-winning stretch run.

–Field Level Media

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