Liberty Secures Dramatic Victory Over Sky

CHICAGO — Sabrina Ionescu’s performance on Wednesday night was, well, a bit of a surprise. She struggled significantly and didn’t score until, oddly enough, 4:26 into the third quarter.

Yet, when the Liberty really needed her, she stepped up.

Her clutch go-ahead 3-pointer late in the fourth quarter set the stage for a game-winning layup.

Thanks to Ionescu’s crucial late-game plays and Jonquel Jones’ nine points in the fourth, the Liberty triumphed over the Chicago Sky, 96-95, extending New York’s winning streak to eight games.

“She’s a champion,” said coach Chris DeMarco. “She’s been in these situations countless times, knows what it takes to win, and she made a key play at the end. She competed, bounced back, and nailed that big three.”

Ionescu, having missed three weeks due to a back injury, was aware that fitting into a new system wasn’t going to be instant. Though she came off the bench in the previous game, she was back starting on Wednesday in place of Pauline Astier.

While her start was rocky, she ended the game with 10 points and 3 rebounds.

“It’s going to be a process. We need to integrate her into the right lineup, find the right defensive strategies, and adapt. We haven’t played all year together, but now she’s back on the team,” DeMarco shared. “It’ll take some time, but she’s being patient, which is important.”

The bench was crucial, especially as both Ionescu and Marine Johannes struggled early on.

Sato Sabally contributed 17 points on 8-of-11 shooting, while Rebecca Gardner added another 10 points. Overall, the Liberty’s bench outscored the Sky’s 38 to 14.

“That’s what our team is all about,” Sabally noted. “Everyone’s important, and we always support each other. It really doesn’t matter who starts; everyone has a role in our success.”

Jones emphasized that the depth of the Liberty is “the biggest thing” distinguishing them from competitors.

“Our depth is pretty special,” she said. “People can step in and make an immediate contribution. We’ll keep leaning on that.”

The Sky began the season strong at 3-1 but fell off, losing nine of their next 11 games. Key player Rikea Jackson suffered a season-ending ACL tear last month, and veteran Courtney Vandersloot has been out with a knee injury since last year.

However, DeMarco wasn’t underestimating the challenge the Sky posed.

“They have a lot of talent… they’re definitely a dangerous team,” he said.

The Sky once held a 14-point lead in the first quarter, but Liberty responded with a 22-6 run that gave them a one-point edge.

Despite Liberty’s efforts, the Sky kept up the pressure and remained within three points for much of the third quarter. Leonie Fievich’s 3-pointer late in the third finally gave the Liberty a six-point lead, which was their largest advantage up to that point.

Whenever it seemed Liberty would stretch their lead, the Sky found ways to answer. Taylor’s three brought them within a point, while Elizabeth Williams’ defensive effort forced a turnover from Brianna Stewart.

In a tense moment late in the game, after a Stewart miss, Taylor grabbed the rebound and hit another clutch three, igniting the home crowd.

But Ionescu wasn’t fazed.

“We recognized the threat posed by our opponents,” DeMarco reiterated post-game. “This is a strong team with plenty of talent and scoring ability. Winning in this league is tough; it’s no walk in the park.”

“I thought we did a great job of fighting back and staying composed. It’s about building on our progress this season, and for our character as a team, this win means a lot.”