LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 28: A’ja Wilson #22 of the Las Vegas Aces shoots a free throw against the Portland Fire in the fourth quarter of their game at Michelob ULTRA Arena on July 28, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Aces defeated the Fire 98-83. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
A sweaty win, but a win nonetheless! Despite the New York Liberty defense having another rough night at the office, the offense was more than enough to hold on and beat the Los Angeles Sparks, 113-109. The win was their third in a row as they try to climb the standings.
The opponent tonight is a familiar one. In this Commissioner’s Cup Final rematch, the Las Vegas Aces enter looking to maintain their grip near the top of the standings after beating the Portland Fire on Tuesday night.
Game Info & Broadcast Details
Matchup: New York Liberty (16-12) vs. Las Vegas Aces (19-8)
Date: Thursday, July 30, 2026
Tip-Off Time: 10:00 PM EST/7:00 PM PST
Venue: Michelob Ultra Arena (Las Vegas, NV)
TV Channel: Prime Video
Livestream: Prime Video
Liberty vs. Aces Injury Report: Who’s Out?
New York Liberty Injury Status:
Out - Leonie Fiebich (left foot soreness)
Out - Satou Sabally (concussion protocol)
Available - Marine Johannes (left ankle injury)
Los Angeles Sparks Injury Status:
Out - Cheyenne Parker-Tyus (concussion protocol)
Doubtful - Kierstan Bell (right leg)
Questionable - NaLyssa Smith (illness)
The Game
New York won the first meeting (97-86 on June 24) and the Commissioner’s Cup Final (93-85 on June 30).
The Liberty’s defense needs to tighten up in a hurry. They rank 14th in defensive rating in July as the absence of Leonie Fiebich continues to be felt immensely.
In the interim, the Liberty will try to count on Rebecca Allen some more. Bec was re-inserted into the starting five once Johannes went out with injury, and Allen has been making the most of it. Allen’s length and timing is essential to this team, and they’ll need every plus defender they can find to help them get out of this rut.
Jackie Young has been a steady hand for much of her career and she’s continued to play outstanding ball. She can score at all three levels, is an outstanding defender, and is someone Becky Hammon can count on to play well down the stretch of close games and be a player that can be the focal point of an offense.
As Sabrina Ionescu continues to be the focal point of the offense, the more she looks like her All Star self. She committed a season high seven turnovers against the Sparks, but she didn’t let that stop her as she scored 27 points, handed out six assists, and made five three-pointers. When she’s aggressive and looking to put pressure on the defense, she reaches a higher level and makes New York even more dangerous. She’s had some strong outings against the Aces this season and another good outing will help New York pick up another win against their long time rivals.
Player to watch: A’ja Wilson
A’ja Wilson is the game’s greatest player and someone who has carried the Aces franchise since she first set foot in Las Vegas in 2018. Since then, she’s accomplished everything possible in this game and has shown no signs of slowing down.
This season, Wilson is first in the WNBA in scoring, first in blocks, third in rebounds, and 11th in steals this season. It’s another dominant season for the future Hall of Famer and she has a great chance of capturing her third straight MVP and fifth this decade. For Wilson, she’s become a credible threat from three point range and is shooting a career best 44.1 percent from downtown. There’s no easy way to slow her down and it’ll take a total team effort to keep the MVP out of the winner’s circle.
How can the Liberty slow Wilson down?
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JUNE 23: A’ja Wilson #22 of the Las Vegas Aces brings the ball up the court against Jonquel Jones #35 and Breanna Stewart #30 of the New York Liberty in the fourth quarter of their game at Michelob ULTRA Arena on June 23, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Liberty defeated the Aces 87-76. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
In the first matchup, the Liberty held Wilson to season lows in points (16) and field goal percentage (38.9). The duo of Jonquel Jones and Breanna Stewart were essential to that success as they forced Wilson into heavily contested shots on every trip down. With the Aces frontcourt being less than full strength, it puts more pressure on Wilson to have to carry the load on both sides of the ball. If the Liberty are able to make her work really hard to get good looks on offense while engaging her and making her work extra hard on defense, they’ll have a chance to make this a winning road trip.
From the Vault
More Summerslam goodness!
More reading: Swish Appeal, Breakaway, SB Nation, Women’s Basketball Roundup, The Local W, New York Daily News, No Cap Space, New York Post, Newsday, The Athletic, NY Liberty Fan TV, Fansided, The Stomp, Just Women’s Sports, Winsidr, Her Hoop Stats, Yahoo Sports, ESPN, CBS Sports, and The IX Basketball