Sabrina Ionescu scored 26 points and hit the dagger 3-pointer with 17 seconds left as the New York Liberty defeated Las Vegas 93-85 on Tuesday night to win the Commissioner's Cup for the second time. The victory came after Ionescu had spent significant stretches sidelined by injury, returning to the lineup just 17 days ago on June 14. Her performance marked a striking return to form for one of the league's most accomplished players.
The win unfolded in front of 15,000 fans at home in New York, who chanted Ionescu's name after the final buzzer. She opened the game aggressively, connecting on two 3-pointers early and finishing with five makes from behind the arc—a dramatic turnaround from her season-long struggles from distance. Coming into the game, Ionescu had shot just 27% from the 3-point line this season, well below her career average of 35%.
The Road Back from Injury
Ionescu's path to Tuesday's victory wasn't straightforward. A sprained ankle in the preseason sidelined her for the first two weeks of the season. Just as she was returning, a back issue emerged after one game, keeping her out for the next three weeks. The accumulation of injuries tested her resolve, but she refused to let doubt creep in.
"I always continued to have that belief in myself since I know the work I put in," Ionescu said after the game. "(An) injury or two isn't going to diminish who I am." Her confidence proved warranted. Last week, she'd already shown signs of recovery with 16 points and 10 rebounds in a victory over Las Vegas, the same opponent she'd now face in the championship.
Breanna Stewart, who earned MVP honors for the game, acknowledged the difficulty of Ionescu's comeback. "When you're coming back from an injury it's tough," Stewart said. "The process is tough. ... Her being aggressive and making those 3s, that dagger 3, are big moments. ... I'm happy for her."
Recognition from Rivals
Even Las Vegas coach Becky Hammon, whose Aces fell short in the championship matchup, offered respect for Ionescu's abilities. "Her game never takes me by surprise," Hammon said. "She's too good."
Ionescu's performance underscored why she's made multiple All-Star teams despite the injuries that have interrupted her season. Her ability to shoot from deep, create off the dribble, and perform in high-pressure moments gives the Liberty a weapon few teams in the league can match. The Commissioner's Cup victory, won at home with the crowd behind her, represents more than just an in-season tournament title—it's validation of her commitment to returning to peak performance.
"It was special," Ionescu said simply. "Keep the faith and tables will turn at some point and that was tonight."
Why This Matters:
Ionescu's comeback matters beyond basketball statistics. Women's professional athletes often face intense scrutiny around injuries and recovery timelines, with questions about whether they can return to form that their male counterparts rarely encounter. Ionescu's rapid return to championship-level performance—hitting clutch shots and leading her team to victory just weeks after returning from serious injuries—demonstrates the resilience and preparation that elite women athletes bring to their sport. The Liberty's victory also highlights the growing investment in women's basketball, with 15,000 fans showing up to watch an in-season tournament game and creating an atmosphere that rewards excellence. For a league still fighting for consistent media coverage and sponsorship dollars, performances like Ionescu's drive engagement and prove that women's basketball deserves the same resources and attention as men's professional sports.