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.

NEW YORK (AP) — Breanna Stewart scored 34 points and Sabrina Ionescu had 21 to help the New York Liberty beat the Las Vegas Aces 87-77 on Sunday in Game 1 of their semifinals series. Jonquel Jones added 13 points and 12 rebounds for the Liberty. Game 2 of the best-of-5 matchup is Tuesday night in New York.

The newfound versatility of Sabrina Ionescu will be crucial to the early semifinal meeting with the Aces starting on Sunday in the best-of-five series.