Key facts
- The New York Liberty defeated the Washington Mystics 86-64.
- The Liberty extended their winning streak to seven games.
- Breanna Stewart recorded 14 points, 12 rebounds, and a career-high seven blocks.
- Sabrina Ionescu returned from a back injury.
- The Portland Fire defeated the Dallas Wings 84-83.
- The Fire ended a four-game losing streak.
- Emily Engstler made a late free throw to secure the Fire's win.
- Bridget Carleton scored 20 points for the Fire.
- Arike Ogunbowale scored 22 points for the Wings.
- US stocks rose on Friday.
- The S&P 500, Dow Jones Industrial Average, and Nasdaq Composite saw gains.
- Inflation data fueled hopes for Federal Reserve rate cut.
The New York Liberty have clinched a spot in the Commissioner's Cup championship game following an 86-64 victory over the Washington Mystics. This win extends the Liberty's current winning streak to seven consecutive games. Key player Breanna Stewart contributed significantly with 14 points, 12 rebounds, and a career-high seven blocks. Jonquel Jones also had a strong performance, scoring 20 points. The game marked the return of Sabrina Ionescu, who had been sidelined due to a back injury.
In another basketball development, the Portland Fire defeated the Dallas Wings with a narrow score of 84-83, thereby ending their own four-game losing streak. The decisive points came from Emily Engstler's free throw late in the game. Bridget Carleton led the Fire in scoring with 20 points, while Arike Ogunbowale put up 22 points for the Wings.
Separately, US stock markets experienced an upward trend on Friday. Major indices including the S&P 500, Dow Jones Industrial Average, and Nasdaq Composite all closed with gains. This positive movement in the stock market is attributed to recent inflation data, which has bolstered investor confidence in the possibility of the Federal Reserve implementing interest rate cuts later in the year.