The New York Liberty made WNBA history on Sunday, tying their own league record by hitting 19 3-pointers in a dominant 100-52 victory over the Connecticut Sun. The 48-point margin of victory was the second-largest in WNBA history, just shy of the 59-point record set by Minnesota in 2017. It also marked the largest win in Liberty franchise history, surpassing a 43-point blowout of Washington in 1998.
Team Effort Powers the Liberty
Led by Sabrina Ionescu, who scored 18 points and made 4 of her 6 3-point attempts, the Liberty showcased a balanced attack. Jonquel Jones added 13 points and 11 rebounds, while Breanna Stewart and Leonie Fiebich also chipped in with 13 points each. All four stars sat for most of the fourth quarter as the Liberty cruised to victory.
New York’s 3-point barrage was nearly flawless, finishing 19-of-32 from beyond the arc. This marks the second time this season the Liberty have hit 19 3-pointers, previously achieving the feat against Chicago on May 22 to break the league record.
Dominance from Start to Finish
The Liberty took control early, outscoring the Sun 31-13 in the first quarter, with Stewart, Ionescu, Fiebich, and Jones accounting for all the points. They extended their lead to 60-28 by halftime, shooting a scorching 68% from the field and making 12 3-pointers in the first half alone. The third quarter saw New York outscore Connecticut 30-8, effectively ending the game before the final period.
Moment of the Game
Despite leading by 50 points, the Liberty challenged a foul call on Ionescu during a 3-point attempt by Connecticut’s Marina Mabrey. The challenge was successful, and Ionescu celebrated by high-fiving the Liberty staff, showcasing the team’s competitive spirit even in a blowout.
Postgame Reactions
“It was great to see the contribution from everyone,” Ionescu said. “Everyone came out really ready and contributed in a really impactful way from start to finish.”
Liberty coach Sandy Brondello praised her team’s commitment: “It’s fun to be a part of. We don’t have to push them too hard because we’ve got some of the best players here, and they want to be great.”
Perfect Start to the Season
The Liberty improved to 7-0, their best start since the 1997 season. The win also kicked off their Commissioner’s Cup campaign, a tournament they reached the final of last year before ultimately winning the WNBA championship.
What’s Next
After a busy week with four wins in six days, the Liberty will enjoy a brief break before facing Washington on Thursday. With their record-setting offense and relentless defense, New York continues to look like a championship contender in 2024.