In Uncasville on Sunday, Sabrina Ionescu’s 36-point performance helped the New York Liberty secure an 87-78 victory over the Connecticut Sun, snapping their four-game losing streak. This win came at Mohegan Sun Arena, ending the longest slump the Liberty have faced in over three years and highlighting the significance of Ionescu’s Liberty Milestone Game.
A Closer Look at Ionescu’s Dominant Contribution
Ionescu’s scoring output was complemented by a career-best 14 field goals made on just 21 attempts, resulting in a remarkable 66.7 percent shooting accuracy. This efficiency marked the second-best shooting game in the WNBA this season for players with a minimum of 20 shots, trailing only A’ja Wilson’s 16-of-23 performance. Despite making only one three-pointer, Ionescu’s improved mid-range game and ability to penetrate the paint allowed her to carry much of the Liberty offense.
In addition to her scoring, Ionescu notched at least 10 rebounds for the second time in her career, achieving a rare milestone by tying the WNBA record for most 30-point, 10-rebound double-doubles alongside Diana Taurasi. Though Ionescu only recorded four assists, she became the second New York player to reach 1,000 career assists, joining Teresa Weatherspoon. Only Weatherspoon and Ticha Penicheiro reached that mark in fewer games, placing Ionescu among elite company.
Team Dynamics and Key Performances
With Breanna Stewart sidelined by injury, alongside depth players Kennedy Burke and Nyara Sabally, Ionescu stepped up to fill the increased scoring responsibility. The game also marked the Liberty debut of Emma Meesseman, a 2019 WNBA Finals MVP, with whom Ionescu quickly developed on-court chemistry. This partnership proved crucial as the Liberty’s ball movement was fluid, especially in high post-to-low post sets involving Jonquel Jones, who made a significant impact inside.
Reflecting on the team’s performance, Ionescu said,
“It took everyone being able to dig deep and be able to come out and be effective. I thought [Jonquel Jones] was huge for us in her ability to get in the post and be able to just be dominant down there, and then obviously inserting Emma [Meeseman], and being able to play like high, low action and just so many different looks. I think the ball moved really well tonight for us.”
—Sabrina Ionescu, Liberty point guard
Building Chemistry Mid-Season
Communicating effectively in the second half was pivotal for the Liberty’s success as Ionescu and Meesseman adjusted to each other’s styles to enhance their offensive output. Ionescu noted,
“I think the second half was a great example of kind of being able to get the feel of the game, continuing to talk through what we see out there. I feel like the second half was pretty seamless [in] what we were looking for, how we were able to communicate. I’ve never played with [Meesseman], and so now it’s like trying to speed up the chemistry by communicating and being able to figure out what she likes, what I like, how we can get each other going, and how we can play off one another.”
—Sabrina Ionescu, Liberty point guard
Meesseman’s second-half performance also drew praise.
“To be able to do what she did in her first game (11 points in the second half), I don’t think many people could do. I’m super proud of her and her ability to stay locked in from the first to the second half and come out and help us win.”
—Sabrina Ionescu, Liberty point guard
Ionescu’s Leadership Amid Adversity
Despite her scoring dominance, Ionescu admitted to struggles with ball control, committing seven turnovers during the game, which she acknowledged with some frustration.
“I had seven turnovers, so that [stinks]. I got to take care of the ball better,”
she said, adding with a smile,
“But obviously I’m just playing at my own pace. If you asked me if I would have scored 36 points on one made three, I probably [would’ve said] that’s not really what I had planned. I think it’s just the ability to play at my own pace, be confident in what works, and every game it just looks different.”
—Sabrina Ionescu, Liberty point guard
She emphasized her adaptability as key to her success, especially when drawing defensive pressure:
“I think being able to be adaptable and understand ways that I can attack and continue to get downhill to the free throw line, usually opens up the three-point shot. So obviously, [I’m] really happy with how we played. My teammates found me on a lot of cuts, and I think that’s something I’m going to have to continue to do as teams are trapping, is just move really well without the ball.”
—Sabrina Ionescu, Liberty point guard
Fan Support and Team Morale Boost
The patriotism and passion from Liberty fans were palpable at Mohegan Sun Arena, where over 200 season ticket holders traveled via a team-chartered bus to cheer the squad. Ionescu’s efforts inspired chants of “MVP” from the visiting crowd, underscoring her influence and stature despite the team’s recent struggles.
What This Victory Means for the Liberty Moving Forward
This triumph marks the 500th victory in New York Liberty history and delivers a crucial morale boost after the team’s rough patch, which saw them lose four consecutive games. With Ionescu emerging as the undisputed leader, and new additions such as Meesseman beginning to gel with returning stars like Jonquel Jones, the Liberty may find renewed hope in competing strongly through the remainder of the WNBA season.
Although injuries have hampered the roster, Ionescu’s consistent production—averaging 25.6 points on 50.3 percent shooting since the All-Star break—has garnered her repeated Eastern Conference Player of the Week honors. The team’s ability to convert her individual successes into sustained wins will be critical to their hopes of postseason contention.