NEW YORK — The New York Liberty (7-0) cruised past the Connecticut Sun (1-6) in a record setting game to remain undefeated this season.
The Liberty won 100 – 52 against the Sun in the first game of the Commissioner’s Cup – the largest margin of victory in Liberty history. The team erupted from the three point line shooting 59% in the game – tying their own league record of total 3s made in a single game at 19 which they set against the Chicago Sky on May 22.
“It was great to be able to see the contribution from everyone,” Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu said after the game. “Everyone scored and contributed in an impactful way from start to finish. Our goal was to come out and play our best basketball and not worry about who we were playing against.”
Ionescu, who led the team in total points at 18 and five assists, went 4-6 in the three pointers made. She is now two three-pointers away from becoming the Liberty’s all-time 3s leader in franchise history, currently held at 400 by Crystal Robinson who accomplished the milestone in 2005.
“Our buy-in to being connected as an entire group – it doesn’t matter if someone scores five points or 20 or who is hot that given night, we’re all really happy for one another,” Ionescu said. “All that matters is a win. You’re able to see a team that’s out there playing for one another and that’s what I’m most proud of.”
The Liberty got out to an early lead in the first half – leading 31-13 at the end of the first quarter shooting 61% from the field and going 7-12 from the three point line. The group then extended their lead to 32 at the end of the second half, before outscoring the Sun 30-8 at the end of the third quarter.
“I’m really proud today,” Liberty Head Coach Sandy Brondello said. “It was four games in six games so it challenged us mentally to get ourselves ready to go on our home court and play in front of our fans, but also grow as a team. We got some of the best players here and they want to be great. Now we got to get some rest and get ready for Washington.”
The Liberty’s next game is on the road against the Mystics (3-4) next Thursday at 7:30 p.m.
FINAL STATS (STARTERS)
Sabrina Ionescu – 18 points (4-6 FG), 5 assists, 2 rebounds
Jonquel Jones – 13 points (4-7 FG), 11 rebounds, 3-4 3PT
Breanna Stewart – 13 points (4-5 FG), 3 rebounds, 5 assists
Leonie Fiebich – 13 points (4-5 FG), 2 rebounds, 3-4 3PT
Natasha Cloud – 8 points (3-3 FG), 2 rebounds, 7 assists
