Brooklyn, NY — With a full roster back on the court for the first time in months, the New York Liberty showed why they’re still a championship threat.
Emma Meesseman scored a team-high 19 points and Breanna Stewart added 14 as New York defeated the Washington Mystics 75–66 on Tuesday night at Barclays Center. The win marked the Liberty’s final home game of the regular season, and with the No. 5 seed already secured, they’ll head into the playoffs healthy and hopeful.
Sabrina Ionescu returned from a toe injury that had sidelined her for several games, while Nyara Sabally made her first appearance since mid-July after recovering from a knee issue.
“This is the group we envisioned at the start of the season,” head coach Sandy Brondello said. “Having everyone back changes everything — we’re locked in for the postseason.”
Jonquel Jones continued her dominance in the paint with 12 points and 11 rebounds, notching yet another double-double. Impressively, the Liberty are now a perfect 34-0 in regular-season games when Jones records a double-double since joining the team.
New York jumped out to a 19–12 lead after the first quarter and controlled the pace throughout, taking a 41–26 advantage into halftime. Washington made a push in the third quarter, trimming the lead to seven, but couldn’t close the gap further.
The loss ends a tough season for the Mystics, who dropped their final 10 games to finish 16–28. Despite the rough stretch, Washington saw flashes of promise from its young core. Rookies Kiki Iriafen and Sonia Citron impressed throughout the year — Iriafen led the Mystics with 16 points Tuesday, while Citron added 13.
Top draft pick Georgia Amoore missed the entire season due to an ACL tear, but Washington’s trio of first-year talents provides a strong foundation for the future.
New York (26–17) closes the regular season Thursday in Chicago before likely opening the postseason Sunday in Phoenix.
