If the New York Liberty win their subsequent two video games, they may clinch a spot within the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup last on June 30.
The Liberty — who’re 9-4 total and 4-0 within the Cup standings — will play host to Washington on Sunday afternoon. After that, the Liberty will go to Chicago on Wednesday of their last pool-play recreation.
On Thursday, the Liberty defeated the host Atlanta Dream, 104-90, in New York’s highest-scoring recreation for the reason that season opener.
It was additionally New York’s sixth straight win because the Liberty shot 54% from the ground and 52% on 3-pointers (16-for-31). The Liberty additionally had a 40-24 benefit on the boards in opposition to an Atlanta crew that entered the sport No. 1 within the WNBA in rebounding.
“We have been simply prepared,” stated Liberty guard Marine Johannes, who scored 17 factors.
In reality, for the primary time in franchise historical past, the Liberty had 5 gamers rating at the least 16 factors.
The one factor not good concerning the Liberty proper now could be that time guard Sabrina Ionescu hasn’t performed since Might 24 as a result of a again damage, though she has been training these days.
Breanna Stewart leads New York in scoring (20.4), Jonquel Jones leads the crew in rebounds (9.6) and rookie Pauline Astier tops the squad in assists (3.8).
In the meantime, Washington (5-6) is 2-2 within the Commissioner’s Cup.
The Mystics beat Toronto 86-85 on Friday night time on Sonia Citron’s turnaround jumper on the buzzer.
Washington prevailed regardless of a season-high 22 turnovers, capturing simply 2-of-18 on 3-pointers and taking part in with out standout Kiki Iriafen, who has an injured proper ankle. She is averaging 14.6 factors and a team-high 8.9 rebounds.
The Mystics are largely a product of their 9 first-round picks, together with seven they’ve chosen since 2022. Citron (third total) and Iriafen (fourth total) have been drafted in 2025, and the previous leads the crew in scoring (17.1).
Then there’s 6-5 middle Shakira Austin, a high contender for the WNBA’s Most Improved Participant award. Austin is averaging 15.1 factors, 8.5 rebounds and a couple of.9 assists — all profession highs.
That is some development for the 25-year-old Austin, who was the third total choose in 2022.
Two different Mystics first-rounders of word are a pair of rookies: 6-7 middle Lauren Betts (fourth total in 2026) and level guard Georgia Amoore (sixth total in 2025).
Betts scored a season-high 18 factors on Friday, making 8 of 9 pictures. With Iriafen out, she acquired prolonged minutes — a season-high 21.
Amoore leads Washington in assists (3.8).
The Liberty would be the extra rested crew on Sunday.
And, in the one recreation between Washington and New York to this point this season, the Liberty received, 98-93, in additional time. Iriafen led the Mystics with 20 factors and 12 rebounds, however she is probably going unavailable on Sunday.
On the constructive facet for Washington, Citron is feeling higher after an damage brought on her to overlook a recreation on June 2.
“My foot is nice,” Citron stated. “I am joyful to be again.”
–Subject Degree Media
