Sabrina Ionescu scored nine of the New York Liberty’s last 10 points in the final minute of the game as the Liberty defeated the Chicago Sky 95-94 on Wednesday night at Barclays Center.
Ionescu finished with 29 points on 8 of 11 shooting from the field, including 5 of 7 from three point range. She also recorded four rebounds and four assists in 35 minutes. The Liberty guard made multiple three pointers and free throws during the closing stretch to help New York erase a deficit and take the lead.
Jonquel Jones converted a free throw with 3.4 seconds remaining to give the Liberty a one point advantage. The Sky were unable to score on the final possession. The Liberty improved to 15-12 overall and 8-5 at home. The Sky fell to 9-18.
Ionescu’s late scoring included three pointers and drives to the basket. Breanna Stewart assisted on some of Ionescu’s key shots in the fourth quarter. The Liberty had trailed by as many as 12 points in the final five minutes before the late rally.
The game featured a close fourth quarter in which both teams traded baskets. The Liberty outscored the Sky 25-23 in the period. Ionescu’s performance marked a season high in points for the guard. The Liberty secured their second consecutive victory following an overtime win earlier in the week.
The Sky managed 94 points behind balanced scoring but could not stop New York’s late push. The Liberty forced turnovers and converted opportunities in the final minute. Officials called fouls that led to free throws for both sides in the closing seconds.
The Liberty continue their schedule with upcoming road games against Western Conference teams. Ionescu has contributed consistent scoring and playmaking for New York throughout the season. The Sky remain near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings after the loss.