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via Getty
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – AUGUST 15: Sabrina Ionescu #20 of the New York Liberty brings the ball up the court against the Las Vegas Aces between Breanna Stewart #30 and Jonquel Jones #35 in the first quarter of the 2023 Commissioner’s Cup Championship game at Michelob ULTRA Arena on August 15, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Liberty defeated the Aces 82-63. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/GettyImages-1618587894-scaled-e1696448802169-1024x682-1.jpg?width=600)
via Getty
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – AUGUST 15: Sabrina Ionescu #20 of the New York Liberty brings the ball up the court against the Las Vegas Aces between Breanna Stewart #30 and Jonquel Jones #35 in the first quarter of the 2023 Commissioner’s Cup Championship game at Michelob ULTRA Arena on August 15, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Liberty defeated the Aces 82-63. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
The Mohegan Sun Arena witnessed an absolute thriller on Wednesday. Connecticut and New York, who had the same record ahead of this matchup, delivered an edge-of-the-seat experience to the 8,910 in attendance which went the visitor’s way by a whisker. Hardly anyone would argue that the 71-68 scoreline in favor of the Liberty wouldn’t have been possible if not for a moment of brilliance from Sabrina Ionescu. However, that also points towards some crucial lapses from the hosts. Consequently, an evaluation was in order by their head coach, Stephanie White, later.
The New York Liberty now solely sit at the top of the standings in the WNBA with an 18-4 record. On the other hand, Connecticut slipped to the 2nd spot with a 17-5 record. Disappointed at missing out on sole custody of the 1st seed, Stephanie White put forth her views on where her team lost the plot. “You can’t spot a team like New York 10 points in the first quarter. They’re too good, they’re too deep. You know, they make you pay for your mistakes. They did that to us today,” White told reporters after the game.
The Liberty were all over Connecticut in the opening quarter. Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu combined to put in 20 points that resulted in New York finishing the first 10 minutes with a 29-19 lead. The Suns did make a comeback in the next one and went into the locker room at the halfway mark by trimming the difference to just 1 point. Anyhow, they lost that advantage in the third quarter and despite them outscoring the Liberty in the final quarter ended up short by 3 points, eventually.
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As for New York, they would be thankful that their No.20 Sabrina Ionescu rose up to the occasion.
Sabrina Ionescu saves the day for New York
The 26-year-old proved yet again why she’s considered among the best in the business. Ionescu emerged as the team’s top performer capping off with 21 points while being 8 of 15 from the field. In addition to this, there was also a single block on the final possession that proved to be the most crucial one for the night.
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![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2023-10-01T213520Z_2019428218_MT1USATODAY21548330_RTRMADP_3_WNBA-PLAYOFFS-NEW-YORK-LIBERTY-AT-CONNECTICUT-SUN.jpg?width=150&blur=15)
USA Today via Reuters
Oct 1, 2023; Uncasville, Connecticut, USA; New York Liberty forward Jonquel Jones (35), forward Betnijah Laney (44) and guard Sabrina Ionescu (20) react after a play against the Connecticut Sun during game four of the 2023 WNBA Playoffs at Mohegan Sun Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Meanwhile, she received thorough support from Breanna Stewart as well. The 2023 WNBA MVP produced her 12th double-double of the season, with 18 points and 14 rebounds. As a result, the 2023 WNBA Finalists secured their 6th straight regular-season victory against the Suns.
What’s your perspective on:
Did Sabrina Ionescu and Breanna Stewart just expose Connecticut's weaknesses, or was it just an off day?
Have an interesting take?
Evidently, the Liberty strengthened their contention for the WNBA title with this performance. An overall record of 18-4 so far is a worrying sign for each and every opposition. Moreover, it will be interesting to see how far they can go with such momentum.
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Stay tuned for more such updates. And to follow what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, has to say about the infamous Shaq-Kobe feud, Caitlin Clark’s Olympic snub, and more, watch this video.
Debate
Did Sabrina Ionescu and Breanna Stewart just expose Connecticut's weaknesses, or was it just an off day?