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06/14 16:17 CDT Liberty clinch spot in Commissioner's Cup finals with win over
Mystics, extend win streak to 7
Liberty clinch spot in Commissioner's Cup finals with win over Mystics, extend
win streak to 7
By DOUG FEINBERG
AP Basketball Writer
NEW YORK (AP) --- Breanna Stewart had 14 points, 12 rebounds and a career-high
seven blocks to help the New York Liberty beat the Washington Mystics 86-64 on
Sunday and clinch a spot in the Commissioner's Cup championship game.
Jonquel Jones scored 17 of her 20 points in the second half to lead the Liberty
(10-4), who have won seven straight games.
The Liberty have made the finals of the mid-season tournament three times,
winning once and losing once. Now, New York must wait to find out its finals
opponent and whether or not it will host the title game. That will come down to
whether the Liberty or the Western Conference representative has a better
overall record.
The game marked the return of Sabrina Ionescu, who missed the last seven
Liberty games with back soreness. Playing just her second game after she had an
ankle injury to start the season, Ionescu checked in midway through the first
quarter and received a loud ovation from the crowd.
She had a trio of stellar passes in the first quarter, the third of which led
to an open 3-pointer for Leonie Fiebich, which gave New York a 20-13 advantage.
The Liberty were up 36-28 at the half as Stewart had 11 points, 10 rebounds and
five blocks in the opening 20 minutes. She's only the second player to have at
least 10 points, 10 rebounds and five blocks in a half in WNBA history, joining
Brittney Griner.
With Ionescu healthy, the Liberty had their entire roster available for the
first time this season.
After a sluggish start to the third quarter, coach Chris DeMarco called a
timeout and Jones scored the next seven points for New York, which extended its
lead to double-digits. Jones had 12 of her points in the period.
Washington (5-7), which was coming into the game off a thrilling last-second
victory over Toronto on Friday night, was only able to get within six points
the rest of the way.
Michaela Onyenwere scored 17 points to lead the Mystics.
Up next Mystics: Visit Connecticut on Wednesday. Liberty: Visit Chicago on Wednesday. ___ AP WNBA: https://apnews.com/hub/wnba-basketball |
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