The Las Vegas Aces came up short in the 2026 WNBA Commissioner’s Cup championship on Tuesday night, falling 93-85 to the New York Liberty in a closely contested game that remained undecided until the closing minutes. Although the defeat ended Las Vegas’ pursuit of the midseason title, the performance of both teams highlighted why they are considered among the league’s elite contenders.
The Aces played without reigning MVP A’ja Wilson, who was unavailable because of an ankle injury. Even without their franchise player, Las Vegas remained competitive throughout the night before New York pulled away late behind several clutch performances from its veteran stars.
Following the game, Aces head coach Becky Hammon chose to focus less on the disappointment of the loss and more on recognizing the quality of the opposition. Her postgame remarks reflected respect for New York’s star players while also reaffirming her confidence in Wilson’s place among the league’s best.
Hammon’s comments underscored the mutual respect shared between many of the WNBA’s top competitors. While rivalries remain intense on the court, the veteran coach acknowledged the accomplishments of Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu after both played pivotal roles in securing another Commissioner’s Cup title for the Liberty.
1. Hammon Balances Loyalty With Respect
During her postgame media session, Hammon made it clear that her loyalty to Wilson remains unwavering. She emphasized that she will always support the Aces superstar, who was forced to watch from the sidelines because of injury.
At the same time, Hammon had no hesitation in praising Breanna Stewart’s impact on the game. She described Stewart as one of the sport’s ultimate winners, highlighting the leadership and consistency that have defined the Liberty forward’s decorated career.
The remarks reflected Hammon’s appreciation for excellence regardless of team affiliation. While coaches naturally advocate for their own players, she acknowledged that Stewart has repeatedly demonstrated the qualities that separate championship-caliber athletes from the rest of the league.
For Hammon, recognizing an opponent’s greatness does not diminish her belief in Wilson. Instead, it illustrates the level of talent currently competing in the WNBA, where multiple superstars continue to elevate the league through their performances.
2. Stewart Leads New York to Another Trophy
Stewart once again proved why she is considered one of the game’s premier players. She finished the championship with 25 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, two steals, and two blocks, delivering an outstanding all-around performance on both ends of the floor.
Her efforts earned her the Commissioner’s Cup Most Valuable Player award for the second time in her career. The victory also marked another historic accomplishment, making Stewart the first player in WNBA history to capture three Commissioner’s Cup championships.
New York consistently relied on Stewart whenever momentum shifted during the contest. Whether scoring in the paint, defending multiple positions, or creating opportunities for teammates, she provided the steady presence that helped the Liberty maintain control during the decisive moments.
The championship performance further strengthened Stewart’s reputation as one of the league’s most dependable postseason-style performers. Time after time, she has demonstrated an ability to produce at her highest level when the stakes are greatest.
3. Ionescu Delivers in Another Big Moment
Hammon also reserved praise for Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu, whose late three-pointer effectively sealed New York’s victory. The veteran coach said she was not surprised by Ionescu’s willingness to embrace pressure-packed situations.
According to Hammon, Ionescu has consistently shown throughout her career that she welcomes the biggest moments. That confidence was evident again as she knocked down one of the game’s most important shots with less than a minute remaining.
Ionescu finished with 26 points, five rebounds, and five assists in only her ninth appearance of the season after previously missing time because of a back injury. Her performance demonstrated both her resilience and her importance to New York’s championship aspirations.
Despite the disappointing result, the Aces remain one of the WNBA’s top teams with a 14-5 record and second place in the league standings. With Wilson expected to return and the postseason still months away, Las Vegas will have opportunities to regroup and potentially earn another matchup against New York when a league championship is on the line.