Liberty Edges Out Sun in Thrilling Finish

Liberty end Skid with Dominating Win Over Sun, Ionescu Shines

UNCASVILLE, Conn. – Sabrina Ionescu delivered a stellar performance with 36 points, leading the New York Liberty to an 87-78 victory over the Connecticut Sun on Sunday, snapping a frustrating four-game losing streak. The win was particularly notable with All-Star Breanna Stewart sidelined for a fourth consecutive game due to a knee injury.

Jonquel Jones contributed a strong double-double effort with 21 points and nine rebounds, bolstering the Liberty’s offense. The team’s resilience was on full display, especially after suffering a significant defeat to the sun just two days prior.

Meesseman Makes Impactful Return

Adding another layer to the Liberty’s triumph was the return of Emma Meesseman, who scored 11 points in her first WNBA appearance as 2022. Meesseman, a former WNBA Finals MVP, made her presence felt in the second half, providing a crucial boost to the team’s scoring.

Ionescu’s Milestone Performance

Ionescu’s performance wasn’t just about the points; she also achieved a significant milestone, surpassing 1,000 career assists – the third-fastest player in WNBA history to reach that mark. Her near-career-high scoring output and first double-double of the season underscored her growing impact on the league.

First Quarter Surge Sets the Tone

The Liberty established control early, closing the first quarter with a 9-0 run to take a 25-19 lead. Ionescu was instrumental in this initial surge,scoring 16 of New York’s first 20 points. The Liberty maintained their momentum throughout the game, leading 45-38 at halftime.

Dominating Second Half

The Liberty extended their lead in the third quarter, fueled by Meesseman’s contributions and a 9-2 run that pushed their advantage into double digits. They entered the fourth quarter with a pleasant 66-57 lead, ultimately securing the victory.

Sun Struggle Continues

For the Connecticut Sun, Tina charles lead the scoring with 17 points, while Anneesah Moorow added 16. Despite their efforts,the Sun (5-22) couldn’t overcome the Liberty’s strong performance and continue to face challenges this season.

Looking Ahead: This win is a critical turning point for the New York Liberty as they navigate the remainder of the season without a key player in Breanna Stewart.Ionescu’s continued progress and Meesseman’s reintegration will be vital to their success. The Connecticut Sun, meanwhile, face an uphill battle as they seek to improve their standing in the league.

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Game Summary: A Nail-Biter to the Last Second

The New York Liberty secured a hard-fought victory over the Connecticut Sun tonight, winning 87-85 in a game that went down to the wire. This WNBA matchup, played on August 5th, 2025, delivered intense action and showcased the resilience of both teams. The Liberty’s win solidifies their position in the Eastern Conference standings, while the Sun face increased pressure in their playoff push. Key players for the Liberty included Breanna Stewart, who led the scoring with 24 points, and Sabrina Ionescu, contributing 18 points and 9 assists. For the Sun, dewanna Bonner’s 26 points weren’t enough to overcome the Liberty’s balanced attack.

Key Moments & Turning Points

Several pivotal moments defined this captivating contest:

Fourth Quarter Surge: The Sun mounted a furious comeback in the fourth quarter, erasing a 10-point Liberty lead. This run was fueled by aggressive drives to the basket and sharp three-point shooting from Tiffany Hayes.

Stewart’s Clutch Shot: With 15 seconds remaining and the score tied, Breanna Stewart hit a contested jump shot over Alyssa Thomas, giving the Liberty an 87-85 lead.

Defensive Stand: The Liberty’s defense held strong in the final seconds, forcing a difficult shot from Brionna Jones that missed the mark, sealing the victory.

Ionescu’s Assist Numbers: Sabrina Ionescu’s playmaking was crucial throughout the game, consistently finding open teammates and controlling the tempo. Her 9 assists were a key factor in the Liberty’s offensive success.

Player performances: Standout Stats & Analysis

Here’s a breakdown of the key performers from both teams:

New York Liberty:

Breanna Stewart: 24 points,8 rebounds,3 blocks. Stewart’s all-around performance was instrumental in the Liberty’s win. her ability to score from multiple levels and protect the rim proved difficult for the sun to contain.

Sabrina Ionescu: 18 points, 9 assists, 6 rebounds. Ionescu’s court vision and passing ability were on full display.

Marine Johannes: 14 points, 4 three-pointers. Johannes provided a spark off the bench with her sharpshooting.

Connecticut Sun:

DeWanna Bonner: 26 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists. Bonner carried the offensive load for the Sun, but her efforts ultimately fell short.

Tiffany Hayes: 18 points,5 three-pointers. Hayes’ shooting was critical during the Sun’s fourth-quarter rally.

Alyssa Thomas: 12 points, 10 rebounds, 7 assists. Thomas recorded another double-double, showcasing her versatility.

Strategic Breakdown: Coaching Decisions & Game Plans

Both coaches employed distinct strategies throughout the game. Liberty coach Sandy Brondello focused on utilizing the versatility of her roster, frequently switching defensive assignments and exploiting mismatches on offense. Sun coach Stephanie white emphasized a fast-paced offense and aggressive rebounding.

Liberty’s Zone Defense: The Liberty effectively utilized a zone defense in the first half, disrupting the Sun’s offensive flow and forcing them into contested shots.

Sun’s Transition Offense: The sun excelled in transition,capitalizing on turnovers and fast breaks to generate easy scoring opportunities.

Foul Trouble: Key players on both teams found themselves in foul trouble, impacting their playing time and forcing coaches to adjust their rotations.

Playoff Implications & Conference Standings

This victory has significant implications for the WNBA playoff picture. The Liberty (22-8) maintain their strong hold on a top-four seed in the Eastern Conference, increasing their chances of securing home-court advantage throughout the playoffs.The Sun (18-12) remain in contention for a playoff spot, but this loss puts added pressure on them to perform well in their remaining games. The race for playoff seeding in the WNBA is incredibly competitive, and every game carries significant weight.

WNBA news & Related Searches

WNBA Scores: Stay up-to-date with the latest WNBA scores and standings.

WNBA playoff Picture: Analyze the current WNBA playoff scenarios.

Breanna Stewart Stats: Track Breanna Stewart’s performance throughout the season.

Sabrina Ionescu highlights: Watch highlights of Sabrina Ionescu’s impressive plays.

Connecticut Sun Schedule: View the Connecticut Sun’s remaining schedule.

New York Liberty Roster: Explore the New york Liberty’s complete roster.

WNBA News: Get the latest news and updates from the WNBA.