Minnesota Lynx defeated New York Liberty by 94-89 to lift the Commissioner’s Cup 2024. In the final, Sabrina Ionescu and Breanna Stewart of New York Liberty became the first pair of teammates to record points-rebounds double-doubles in the same Commissioner’s Cup final.
The game was played at UBS Arena instead of Barclays Center because the NBA draft was scheduled to take place at Liberty’s home on Wednesday night.
Liberty started the game on a positive note with Sabrina Lonescu helping them to a 13-4 run in the middle of the first quarter. The two sides traded baskets and Liberty ended with a lead of 27-23 at the end of the first quarter.
New York went on a 10-2 run from the 7:12 mark of the second but Minnesota surged back with eight straight points and cut the lead to 3 at the end of the second quarter. The half ended with a scoreline of 50-47.
Minnesota took over in the third quarter outscoring their opponents 19-10. New York never really recovered in the fourth quarter despite going on a 12-4 run at the end of the match. The match ended 94-89 in favor of the Minnesota Lynx.
The Liberty’s offensive rebounds of 15 set a new record for most offensive rebounds in a Commissioner’s Cup final match.
Napheesa Collier was named the MVP of the final scoring 21 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists. “Means a lot. Testament to where we are at this season. This is the best group. Our personalities mesh so well. Any night anyone can have 20. Bridget had an outstanding game. It’s so fun.” Collier said after the match.
Minnesota’s win also denied New York Liberty to become the first side to win back-to-back Commissioner’s Cups.
Commissioner’s Cup Prize Money
Commissioner’s Cup also comes with a hefty financial rewards for the players. Minnesota’s win over New York meant that the Lynx would receive a prize money of $500,000 with each player receiving approximately $41,000. Napheesa Collier would also earn an extra $5,000 for being the MVP of the match.
Coinbase, which was one of the sponsors of the final, contributed $120,000 to players of both sides with each player receiving an average amount of $5,000.
Mohd Faisal Hakak is a sports author from Kashmir. He likes to keep tabs on the sporting world with a keen interest in football, motorsports, NBA, and other marquee sports. He is a science graduate from Islamia College Srinagar.
