New York Liberty defensive and offensive plays led them to the win Tuesday night against the Las Vegas Aces 82-63 at the third WNBA Commissioner’s Cup held at the Michelob ULTRA Arena In Las Vegas. Liberty players each received 30,000 with the MVP player also receiving an extra 5,000.
“The Commissioner’s Cup is the step in the right direction for us being able to put the pieces together which leads us to the ultimate goal to win a championship,” said Jonquel Jones.
It was an exciting night for fans of the WNBA as it is the first appearance in the Commissioner’s Cup for the New York Liberty along with the Second appearance in the Commissioner’s Cup for Jones.
Jones once again is a double-double machine and because of her performance she secured the MVP spot. Jones with 16 points on 50% (5-10) shooting from the floor, a game-high 15 rebounds, and two blocks.
“I think it’s a great thing for our league. I also think the teams being able to have a non-profit that they’re going to support or an organization that gets back to the community is the big thing as well. Also being able to put more money in the players pocket as well,” JJ stated during the pre-game conference Tuesday afternoon.
The first half of the game started off a little rocky. The two best teams in the WNBA struggled in landing their shots. Aces A’ja Wilson scored the first two points of the game from the free throw line. Followed by Breanna Stewart with a 3PT shot that finally got the game going.
Marine Johannès scored 12 out of the 32 points Liberty made in the first quarter of the game.
Aces Head Coach Becky Hammon former Liberty player was also impressed by Liberty Johannès,“ Did you see the shot she took, some of them I don’t have any defense. Good shot.”
Shooting from 75% off the bench Johannès found her groove on the court shooting back-to-back threes. Her shooting was so impressive and one point you could see Sabrina Ionescu say to her, “That’s How You Shoot”. Johannès ended the game 17 points three rebounds and two assist.
“When you’re playing against a half-court defense every time down the floor and you’re not guarding certain people and we are not figuring out ways to make them pay,” said Coach Hammon.
To see more thoughts from Las Vegas Aces Head Coach Becky Hammon along with Chelsey Gray and Jackie Young along with New York Liberty Head Coach Sandy Brondello, 2023 Commissioner’s Cup Championship MVP Jonquel Jones, Breanna Stewart and Marine Johannès…video is compliments of the WNBA.
A lot of shots were missed by the Aces last night and they weren’t pleased by the outcome. Aces were shooting at 19% while the libs were shooting at 43 %. Jackie Young led the way with 16 points and both Kelsey Plum and Chelsea Gray with 15 points each.
Courtney Vandersloot making her second appearance at the Commissioner’s Cup gave fans in Vegas a treat with her 11 points cup 10 assists, six rebounds, and two steals. Sabrina Ionescu also impressed as she finished with 12 points, eight rebounds, and two assists. Nine of her 12 points came in the fourth quarter. Rounding out the Liberty Leaders is Breanna Stewart with her 13 points, seven rebounds, and two blocks.
Liberty charity of choice was the Callen-Lorde, as they community health center which provides sensitive, quality health care and related services targeted to gay, bisexual, and transgender communities.
“In New York when the Liberty wins, we all win! Callen-Lorde is proud to be your partner and we are grateful for your commitment to our mission to provide affirming healthcare for LGBTQ+ people and supportive, sex-positive healthcare for all women.”
The WNBA regular season play resumes as the Liberty and Aces meet on Thursday, August 17 in Las Vegas at the Michelob ULTRA Arena. Tip time scheduled for 10:00 p.m.
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