The New York Liberty is aiming to become the second team in two decades to secure back-to-back WNBA championships, and they appear poised to achieve this goal. On Thursday, the Liberty triumphed over the Washington Mystics 86-78 in their second game of the Commissioner’s Cup Play. Despite Sabrina Ionescu’s tough night, shooting just 3-for-17, Breanna Stewart stepped up with an impressive 26 points, 10 successful free throws out of 13, and 11 rebounds.
The team currently holds an undefeated 8-0 record, tied for the league’s best alongside the Minnesota Lynx, marking their best season start ever. Ionescu acknowledged that while the perfect start is impressive, the team’s focus remains on steady improvement and taking each game as it comes.
This season, Ionescu is averaging 17.3 points and 5 assists per game, earning her a spot on the All-Star team for the third consecutive season, with hopes for another selection this year. The Liberty leads the league with 91.1 points per game, a 47.8% field goal percentage, 38.2% from beyond the arc, an offensive rating of 112.0, and also boasts the best defensive rating at 88.6.
Although challenges remain—such as overcoming a weakened Indiana Fever (3-4) and fierce competition from the Minnesota Lynx, who nearly dethroned them in the 2024 WNBA Finals—the Liberty’s season has been promising so far.
Fan Take: This strong start by the New York Liberty reignites excitement around the WNBA, showcasing the high level of talent and competition in the league. For fans, it signals a compelling season ahead that could further boost the sport’s popularity and growth.
