Brooklyn, NY—–In an electrifying showdown at the Barclays Center on Sunday, the New York Liberty (11-2) triumphed over the Washington Mystics (0-12) with a final score of 93-88, igniting the fervor of a sell-out crowd of 12,477 enthusiastic fans. This pivotal victory not only showcased the Liberty’s prowess on the court but also clinched home court advantage in the upcoming Commissioner’s Cup Championship game.
Led by the unstoppable Jonquel Jones, who delivered a commanding performance with 29 points and 8 rebounds, the Liberty showcased a display of resilience and skill throughout the game. Adding to the spectacle was Sabrina Ionescu, whose stellar contribution of 19 points, including three crucial three-pointers, not only propelled the team to victory but also etched her name in Liberty history.
Ionescu’s remarkable feat extended her streak of regular season games with at least one made three-pointer to an impressive 38, setting a new franchise record for the Liberty and solidifying her position with the longest active streak in the WNBA. Her consistent ability to deliver clutch shots has undoubtedly become a defining attribute of the Liberty’s offensive strategy.
“I’ll say we’re holding up pretty well, not that anyone’s happy about it,” Mystics coach Eric Thibault said. “You never want to get to the point where you feel like you’re accepting it, and I don’t think we’ve done that. But we’ve come back with each game and battled. We don’t look like a discouraged team. We don’t look like a team that’s mailing it in.”
From the onset, the game unfolded as a tightly contested battle, with both teams trading baskets and momentum swings keeping fans on the edge of their seats. The first two quarters saw the scoreboard deadlocked at 45 points apiece, setting the stage for a thrilling second half.
While the Mystics, led by Jade Melbourne’s impressive 21-point performance, put up a valiant fight, the Liberty’s determination and cohesion ultimately proved too formidable to overcome. With every possession fiercely contested and every shot executed with precision, the Liberty asserted their dominance on their home court, much to the delight of their passionate supporters.
The Libs led by two points going to into the final frame before they extended the lead to 86-79 with 4:03 left on the clock. Washington scored the only basket over the next 2:30 minutes until Ionescu hit a 10-foot floater from the left wing that made it 88-81 with 1:30 left in the game.
As the final buzzer sounded, signaling the Liberty’s triumph, the Barclays Center erupted in a chorus of cheers and applause, celebrating not only a hard-fought victory but also the assurance of home court advantage in the upcoming Commissioner’s Cup Championship game.
With their sights set on capturing the coveted Commissioner’s Cup title, the New York Liberty have demonstrated their championship pedigree and solidified their status as a force to be reckoned with in the WNBA. As they continue their journey towards glory, one thing remains certain – with stars like Jonquel Jones, Breanna Stewart, and Sabrina Ionescu leading the charge, the Liberty’s quest for greatness knows no bounds.
