Ionescu's triple-double leads Liberty to 116-107 win over Aces

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Sabrina Ionescu had 31 points in the highest-scoring triple-double in WNBA history and tied Candace Parker’s league record of three triple-doubles in the New York Liberty’s 116-107 victory over Las Vegas on Wednesday night.

Ionescu also had 13 rebounds and 10 assists. She hit a career-high seven three-pointers in eight tries and was 10 of 13 from the field overall.

The third-year pro has two triple-doubles this season. New York (9-12) set a franchise single-game scoring record and finished with a season-high 35 assists.

Han Xu, a 6-foot-10 center in her second WNBA season, had a career-high 24 points — 14 in the fourth quarter — on 10-of-11 shooting and tied her career-best with eight rebounds for New York. Natasha Howard added 18 points.

A’ja Wilson had 29 points and nine rebounds for Las Vegas (15-7). Jackie Young scored 24 points on 8-of-11 shooting.

The Aces have lost back-to-back games and five of their last seven.

The Aces had already secured a berth into the 2022 Commissioner’s Cup game against the Chicago on July 26 but missed a chance Wednesday night to play in Las Vegas. The defending WNBA champions Sky can wrap up homecourt with a victory over Indiana on Thursday.