Brooklyn, NY—If the NY Liberty maintain their current level of play, they could be on track for a successful season and a potential WNBA Championship in Brooklyn. The Liberty’s impressive form continued as they secured their fourth consecutive victory, defeating the Connecticut Sun 82-74 on Tuesday night in front of 13,694 fans at the Barclays Center.
The Liberty won their last four games convincingly displayed confidence and poise from the start. They led the first quarter 28-23, with Sabrina Ionescu leading the way by scoring 12 of those points.
Ionescu finished the contest on fire contributing 30 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists.
This dominant effort helped propel the Liberty to a 21-4 record, the best in the league as they head into the All-Star Break. Historically, four of the last six teams with the league’s best record at the All-Star Break went on to win the WNBA Championship that season.
In the second quarter, the Liberty increased the tempo and moved the ball effectively, with Courtney Vandersloot and Natisha Hiedeman delivering crucial baskets to keep the Sun at bay. Despite the Sun’s efforts, the Liberty managed to maintain a slim lead, heading into halftime up 45-42. Ionescu led the team with 17 points and three assists in the first half, while Alyssa Thomas and Brionna Jones combined for 22 points in the paint for the Sun.
Connecticut shot 47.2% from the field (17-36) in the first half, which kept the game close. However, the Liberty’s defensive adjustments and the tenacity of Kennedy Burke, who contributed crucial steals, proved decisive in the game.
In the fourth quarter, Ionescu hit a deep three-pointer in front of the Sun’s bench, and Burke added an easy basket to push the Liberty’s lead to 68-63 with 8:47 remaining. From there, New York maintained their advantage and secured the win.
Brionna Jones led the Sun with 17 points, and Alyssa Thomas added 16 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists, though she did not play in the fourth quarter.
Burke finished with 9 points and 4 steals, playing a key role in the Liberty’s victory.
