Ionescu wasn’t alone in delighting the crowd at Barclays Center throughout New York’s 87-77 victory. In addition to Ionescu’s 21 points on 9 of 15 shooting, two-time WNBA MVP Breanna Stewart finished with a team-high 34 points, five rebounds and four assists. Stewart’s frontcourt partner Jonquel Jones added 13 points and 12 boards.

Breanna Stewart was on a mission in the New York Liberty’s 87-77 win over the Las Vegas Aces in Game 1 of their WNBA semifinals series on Sunday. After leading the Liberty with 20 first-half points, Stewart made a bold promise to fans at Barclays Center, telling them she has “a lot to make up for” following last year’s postseason disappointment.