NEW YORK (Sports News) — In a commanding performance at home, the New York Liberty dominated the Chicago Sky with an 85-66 victory, officially becoming the ninth team in WNBA history to start a season with a perfect 9-0 record.
Sabrina Ionescu Shines Brightly
Star point guard Sabrina Ionescu delivered a stellar performance, scoring 23 points and dishing out seven precise assists, showcasing the caliber of a true All-Star. Notably, Ionescu erupted for 14 points in the first quarter alone, laying a strong foundation for the Liberty’s victory in front of thousands of passionate fans.
Liberty’s Complete Dominance
The New York Liberty started the game flawlessly, scoring 12 consecutive points in the opening minutes, forcing the Chicago Sky to play catch-up for the remainder of the match. Former league MVP Breanna Stewart contributed 18 points, seven rebounds, and five assists in an impressive all-around display.
A highlight of the game came when Kennedy Burke drained a three-pointer from the corner off a no-look pass from Ionescu, giving the Liberty a 52-32 lead with just 1.4 seconds remaining in the first half. Burke finished with 15 points, including three successful three-pointers, underscoring the remarkable depth of New York’s roster.
Chicago Sky Faces Significant Struggles
Meanwhile, the Chicago Sky (2-6) endured a challenging night, committing 22 turnovers and converting only 28 field goals, highlighting the clear gap in quality between the two teams. Rookie standout Angel Reese still managed to shine for Chicago, posting 17 points and 11 rebounds—her best performance of the season.
Notably, this marked Reese’s 30th career double-double in just 42 professional games, a remarkable feat rarely matched in WNBA history. Rookie guard Hailey Van Lith also had a memorable moment, sinking her first WNBA three-pointer with 1:09 remaining in the final quarter.
Bad News for Chicago
Adding to Chicago’s woes, former New York Liberty star Courtney Vandersloot suffered a serious injury. MRI results revealed a torn ACL, which could sideline the veteran guard for an extended period. Vandersloot, a key contributor to the Liberty’s WNBA championship last season, had returned to her hometown team, Chicago, for this campaign.
Bright Future Ahead
With a flawless 9-0 record, the New York Liberty is proving to be the top contender for this year’s WNBA championship, driven by the all-around contributions of stars like Ionescu and Stewart. The team has achieved the best start in franchise history and promises to deliver more elite performances for women’s basketball fans.