San Francisco, CA — In a thrilling back-and-forth battle at Chase Center, the New York Liberty held off the Golden State Valkyries for a narrow 81–78 win on Wednesday night, powered by Breanna Stewart’s strong first half and Sabrina Ionescu’s clutch performance at the foul line.
Stewart led all scorers with 23 points and 10 rebounds, with 21 points coming in the first half as she helped the Liberty establish early control. But the expansion Valkyries stormed back, tying the game late in the fourth and briefly taking the lead behind sharpshooter Kate Martin, who hit a pair of critical 3-pointers down the stretch.
Returning to the Bay Area where she grew up, Sabrina Ionescu struggled from the field (1-of-11), but came through when it mattered most. The Liberty guard sank seven free throws in the final two minutes and came up with a game-saving steal with 26 seconds left to fend off the Valkyries’ late charge. Her lone field goal—a clutch 3-pointer—came with 9 minutes remaining in the fourth.
Martin kept the pressure on with a deep three to cut the deficit to one with 12 seconds to go, but both she and Kayla Thornton missed potential game-tying threes in the final seconds.
Kennedy Burke added an impactful 20 points off the bench for New York, helping the Liberty (11-3) bounce back after losing three of their previous four following a 9-0 season start. The win also gives New York a 3-0 season sweep of the Valkyries, having won their earlier matchups on May 27 and 29 in Brooklyn.
Martin finished with 21 points to lead Golden State (7-7), who entered the game on a hot streak—winners of five of their last six—and played in front of their eighth consecutive sellout crowd at Chase Center, where they now hold a 5-3 record.
Golden State center Temi Fágbénlé returned from international duty with Great Britain at EuroBasket 2025 but was held out for rest following long travel. Carla Leite also missed the game due to a back injury.
Up Next:
Liberty continue their road trip Friday night vs. the Phoenix Mercury.
Valkyries return home to host the Chicago Sky.
