Talbot leads Aussie charge in Commish Cup race

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Las Vegas Aces 105 def. Portland Fire 89 (Final)

WNBA Commissioner's Cup

Australian Opals forward Stephanie Talbot recorded a near double-double as the Las Vegas Aces defeated fellow Australian Nyadiew Puoch's Portland Fire 105-89 in a WNBA Commissioner's Cup clash.

Talbot finished with eight points, 10 rebounds and three assists in 24 minutes, shooting 3-from-6 from the field and 2-from-5 from three-point range. The veteran forward helped Las Vegas improve to a perfect 4-0 in Commissioner's Cup play.

The Aces pulled away with a dominant offensive display, shooting 50% from the field and 50% from beyond the arc while placing five starters in double figures. Las Vegas scored 56 first-half points and maintained control throughout the second half.

A'ja Wilson led the way with 32 points, five rebounds and four assists, while Chelsea Gray erupted for 29 points on 9-from-13 shooting from three-point range. Jackie Young added 18 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds, narrowly missing a triple-double.

For Portland, Carla Leite had 18 points and eight assists, while Megan Gustafson added 17 points and Sarah Ashlee Barker scored 14. The Fire shot 53% from the field but were hurt by Las Vegas' superior rebounding and perimeter shooting.

Puoch played seven minutes off the Portland bench, finishing scoreless while contributing one assist and one steal. The 20-year-old was one of seven Fire reserves to see court time.

The victory kept Las Vegas tied with Minnesota atop the Western Conference Commissioner's Cup standings at 4-0, with both teams remaining unbeaten through four Cup games. Portland fell to 0-4 and has been eliminated from contention for a place in the Commissioner's Cup Final.

🇦🇺 Australians

• Stephanie Talbot (Aces) — 8 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, 24 minutes
• Nyadiew Puoch (Fire) — 0 points, 1 assist, 1 steal, 7 minutes

New York Liberty 104 def. Atlanta Dream 90 (Final)

WNBA Commissioner's Cup

Australian guard Isobel Borlase scored five points off the Atlanta Dream bench as Atlanta fell 104-90 to the New York Liberty in a WNBA Commissioner's Cup clash.

Borlase played 19 minutes and shot 2-from-4 from the field and 1-from-2 from three-point range while adding two rebounds. The 20-year-old was one of six Dream reserves to see court time as Atlanta slipped to 3-2 in Commissioner's Cup play.

The Liberty took control with a 30-point second quarter and never relinquished the lead, shooting 54% from the field and 52% from beyond the arc. New York's depth proved decisive, with six players scoring at least 16 points.

Breanna Stewart led the Liberty with 19 points, 11 rebounds and five assists, while Jonquel Jones added 16 points and 10 rebounds. Satou Sabally delivered an explosive 19 points in just 17 minutes off the bench, connecting on 5-from-6 from three-point range.

For Atlanta, Angel Reese had 25 points and nine rebounds, while Rhyne Howard added 24 points and Allisha Gray contributed 18 points. The Dream shot just 31% from three-point range and 56% from the free throw line.

The victory improved New York to a perfect 4-0 atop the Eastern Conference Commissioner's Cup standings, putting the Liberty on the brink of securing a place in the Commissioner's Cup Final. Atlanta dropped to fourth in the East at 3-2 and can no longer catch New York.

Australian Opals wing Rebecca Allen was available for New York but did not see game action, while Australian development player Anneli Maley did not suit up for the Liberty. Sabrina Ionescu also missed the game because of a back injury.

🇦🇺 Australians

• Isobel Borlase (Dream) — 5 points, 2 rebounds, 19 minutes
• Rebecca Allen (Liberty) — DNP-Coach's Decision
• Anneli Maley (Liberty) — Did not suit up (Development Player)

Dallas Wings 85 def. Phoenix Mercury 70 (Final)

WNBA Commissioner's Cup

Australian forward Alanna Smith collected five rebounds off the bench as Dallas Wings defeated the Phoenix Mercury 85-70 in a WNBA Commissioner's Cup clash.

Smith played 16 minutes and finished with two points, five rebounds and one assist, shooting 1-from-2 from the field. The 29-year-old helped Dallas dominate the glass 37-30 as the Wings improved to 3-1 in Commissioner's Cup play. She has been recovering from a nose injury.

Dallas took control in the second half, outscoring Phoenix 25-16 in the third quarter to build a decisive advantage. The Wings shot 52% from the field and received major contributions from their young backcourt.

Paige Bueckers starred with 31 points, six rebounds and five assists on 14-from-20 shooting, while Azzi Fudd added 17 points and three blocks. Jessica Shepard recorded a double-double with 17 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists.

Phoenix struggled offensively, shooting 39% from the field and committing 16 turnovers. Lexi Held led the Mercury with 17 points off the bench, while Kahleah Copper added 13 points and Alyssa Thomas finished with six points, nine rebounds and 10 assists.

The victory moved Dallas to 3-1 in the Western Conference Commissioner's Cup standings, keeping the Wings within striking distance of unbeaten leaders Minnesota and Las Vegas. Phoenix slipped to 2-3 and is effectively out of contention for a place in the Commissioner's Cup Final.

Australian Opals veteran Sami Whitcomb remained sidelined with a knee injury and did not suit up for the Mercury.

🇦🇺 Australians

• Alanna Smith (Wings) — 2 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 16 minutes
• Sami Whitcomb (Mercury) — DNP (knee injury)