TEAM NOTABLES

On Wednesday, the New York Liberty (14-4) defeated the Indiana Fever (5-15), 95-87, in the second game of their 2023 four-game season series, matching the inaugural 1997 New York Liberty for the best 18-game start in franchise history.

With today’s victory, New York secured its first-ever Commissioner’s Cup Championship game berth against the Las Vegas Aces on Tuesday, August 15, at Michelob ULTRA Arena.

At Gainbridge Fieldhouse, the Liberty finished on 41.9% (31-74) shooting from the field, 33.3% (12-36) from three, and 87.5% (21-24) at the free throw line. New York also pulled down a season-high 47 rebounds in today’s contest.

After surrendering 26 Indiana points in the opening quarter, New York’s defense held Indiana to just 27 combined points over the second and third quarters. Indiana’s 12-point third quarter marked a season-low.

Up Next: After the All-Star Break, the New York Liberty will host the Dallas Wings on Wednesday, July 19 at 1 p.m. ET.

KEY RUNS

Q1: There were no significant runs in the opening quarter.

Q2: New York went on a 20-8 run from the 9:53 mark of the second to the 2:49 mark of the quarter.

Q3: New York opened the second half with a 14-1 eruption through the 6:24 mark of the third quarter.

Q4: Indiana went on a 26-9 run from the 1:10 mark of the third to the 0:24 mark of the fourth quarter.

OT1: New York went on a 10-2 run from the 1:52 mark of overtime to the 0:16 mark of the first overtime period.

PLAYER NOTABLES

New York finished with four double-digit scorers in today’s game (Ionescu, Stewart, Jones, Laney).

Highlighted by an and-one three-pointer at the 4:46 mark of the third, Sabrina Ionescu totaled 34 points on 50% (9-18) shooting from the floor, including 50% (7-14) from three, six rebounds, and five assists, marking her second game this season of at least 20 points, six rebounds, and five assists. Ionescu scored seven of her 34 points in overtime.

Ionescu’s performance marked just the second time in WNBA history that a player has shot 50% from the field, 50% from three, and 100% from the charity stripe on at least 18 attempts from the field, 14 attempts from three, and nine attempts from the line.

Breanna Stewart finished with 18 points, 10 rebounds, three assists, and two steals, marking her 10^th double-double of the season.

Jonquel Jones added 12 points on 62.5% (5-8) shooting from the field, including 50% (2-4) from three, seven rebounds, and two assists.

Betnijah Laney finished with 10 points on 44.4% (4-9) shooting from the floor, including 33.3% (1-3) from deep, four rebounds, and an assist.

Courtney Vandersloot finished with six points, a game-high 12 assists, and five rebounds.

 For Indiana, Aliyah Boston finished with 23 points, nine rebounds, and two assists, while Emma Cannon added a career-high-tying 19 points and eight rebounds.