New York (AP) – The New York Liberty tied their WNBA record by sinking 19 three-pointers in a dominant 100-52 victory over the Connecticut Sun on Sunday.
The 48-point win ranks as the second-largest margin in league history, just shy of Minnesota’s 59-point record set in a 2017 triumph over Indiana. The largest-ever win remains Washington’s 43-point victory back in 1998.
Sabrina Ionescu led New York with 18 points, while Jonquel Jones contributed 13 points and 11 rebounds. Brenna Stewart and Leonie Fiebich each scored 13 points, and the four players were on the court for nearly the entire fourth quarter.
With the victory, New York improved to an undefeated 7-0 start for the first time since 1997.
The Liberty had previously hit 19 three-pointers in a game against Chicago on May 22, breaking league records. That game saw a hot three-point start, but a cold fourth quarter with only one made three-pointer.
This win caps a busy week for New York, marking their fourth game in six days. They will take a short break before their next matchup in Washington on Thursday.
Sunday’s game was the first round of the three-week Commissioners Cup tournament, which takes place during the season. New York reached the final last year but lost to Minnesota, who later won the WNBA Championship.
New York dominated early in Connecticut, building a 31-13 lead after the first quarter with all points scored by Stewart, Ionescu, Fiebich, and Jones. The Liberty extended their edge to 60-28 by halftime, shooting an impressive 68% from the field and making 12 three-pointers in the first half.
New York kept their momentum in the third quarter, steadily adding more points.
Even after building a 50-point lead, New York successfully challenged a foul call on Ionescu during a three-point attempt by Marina Mabrey. The challenge was upheld, energizing the star guard who celebrated with high-fives from the Liberty staff.
For Connecticut, Tina Charles and Jay Shelden each led with 10 points. The Sun now hold a 1-6 record.
Fan Take: This resounding victory not only highlights the Liberty’s explosive offensive firepower but also signals a shift in the WNBA’s competitive landscape. For fans, it’s an exciting preview of thrilling, high-scoring games that can elevate the sport’s visibility and appeal nationwide.
