Sabrina Ionescu delivered a season-high performance with 34 points, sparking the New York Liberty to overcome a 17-point deficit and defeat the visiting Atlanta Dream 86-81 on Tuesday night. Her scoring prowess, combined with strong support from Breanna Stewart, enabled the Liberty to rally in the final quarter at their home court.
By scoring 34 points in back-to-back games, Ionescu reached a career milestone for consecutive 30-point performances in the WNBA. She shot efficiently on Tuesday, converting 12 of 20 attempts from the field and making 4 of 8 three-pointers, helping the Liberty improve to a 10-1 record this season.
Commissioner’s Cup Season Ends Without Championship Berth for Liberty
This match marked the last Commissioner’s Cup game for both squads, with the Liberty finishing 4-1 in the tournament’s regular play. Despite their strong record, New York missed advancing to the Cup championship game due to a prior loss to the Indiana Fever. The Fever’s head-to-head victory secured their spot instead.
Late-Game Surge Overcomes Largest Season Deficit Faced by Liberty
Atlanta held a commanding 64-47 lead midway through the third quarter, representing the largest comeback hole New York had encountered all season. However, increased defensive pressure from the Liberty shifted momentum. Ionescu and Stewart combined to spark a sustained run, gradually eroding the Dream’s advantage.
With under two minutes left, Stewart’s left-handed layup gave New York the lead at 81-79, which she extended with a driving basket moments later. On the Dream’s side, a potential tying three-pointer by Rhyne Howard fell short with just 6.8 seconds remaining. Ionescu sealed the win by sinking two free throws with 2.2 seconds left on the clock.
First-Half Highlights and Offensive Performances from Both Teams
Ionescu’s early contributions helped the Liberty secure a small first-quarter lead after a 7-0 scoring run in the last 90 seconds of the quarter, putting New York ahead 24-20. The Dream, known for their prolific three-point shooting, started finding success from long range in the second quarter. Rookie Te-Hina Paopao matched a career best with 16 first-half points, hitting four of five three-pointers before being held scoreless after halftime.
Atlanta led 37-31 late in the second quarter, but key scorer Allisha Gray was forced to the bench with three fouls, hindering the Dream’s offensive rhythm. The Liberty ended the half on a run capped by five straight points from Stewart, trimming the deficit to 43-40. Ionescu had already piled up 20 points by halftime.
Player Contributions and Recent Head-to-Head Trends
Gray finished the game with 14 points, while Howard and Brionna Jones each added 13 points for Atlanta. Despite the close contest, New York extended its dominance over Atlanta, winning eight of their last nine meetings. Their ability to rally from behind emphasizes the team’s resilience and cohesion this season.
Implications for Liberty and Outlook Moving Forward
The Liberty’s comeback victory highlights the leadership of Sabrina Ionescu and the scoring versatility of Breanna Stewart, signaling New York’s continued rise as a top contender in the WNBA. Although missing the Commissioner’s Cup final is a setback, the team’s strong overall record and proven ability to rally from tough situations bode well for the rest of the season. Maintaining defensive intensity and capitalizing on clutch moments will be key as they pursue further success.