Liberty SHOCK the Sun! Ionescu's Milestone & Meesseman's Return!
The New York Liberty snapped a four-game losing streak in dramatic fashion, defeating the Connecticut Sun 87-78 on Sunday! The victory was fueled by a stellar performance from Sabrina Ionescu and the highly anticipated return of Emma Meesseman to the WNBA.
Ionescu's Historic Performance
Sabrina Ionescu led the charge with an impressive 36 points, showcasing her offensive prowess and solidifying her status as a WNBA superstar. She also grabbed 11 rebounds, securing her first double-double of the season. But the milestones didn't stop there! Ionescu surpassed 1,000 career assists, becoming only the 42nd player in WNBA history to reach this mark. Remarkably, she is the third-fastest player to achieve this feat, trailing only Ticha Penicheiro and Teresa Weatherspoon. Ionescu is also the fastest to reach 1,000 assists since Penicheiro in 2003.
Meesseman's Triumphant Return
Emma Meesseman made a significant impact in her return to the WNBA after winning the EuroLeague Women's MVP for the last three seasons. She contributed 11 crucial points, all scored in the second half, providing a much-needed boost to the Liberty's offense. Her presence on the court was palpable, adding experience and skill to the team's dynamic.
Liberty Make WNBA History
This win marked the Liberty's 500th regular-season victory, making them only the fourth franchise in WNBA history to reach this milestone. They join the Minnesota Lynx, Los Angeles Sparks, and Phoenix Mercury in this exclusive club. The Liberty, a founding team of the WNBA, continue to build on their legacy, having won their first championship in 2024 led by Ionescu and Breanna Stewart.
Game Recap
Jonquel Jones added 21 points and nine rebounds for the Liberty, who were still without All-Star Breanna Stewart. Tina Charles led the Sun with 17 points. The Liberty led by as many as 17 points in the fourth quarter, securing a well-deserved victory.
- Ionescu scored 16 of New York's first 20 points.
- The Liberty scored the last nine points of the first quarter.
- Meesseman scored seven points during a 9-2 surge in the third quarter.
The Liberty's victory over the Sun was a testament to their resilience, talent, and determination. With Ionescu leading the way and Meesseman back in the fold, the Liberty are poised for continued success this season.