UPDATE: The Connecticut Sun delivered a decisive blow to the short-handed New York Liberty, winning 78-62 on July 14, 2023, in Uncasville, Connecticut. This marks the Liberty’s fourth consecutive loss, leaving them reeling without star forward Breanna Stewart, who is sidelined with a bone bruise in her right knee.
In a game that showcased the resilience of the Sun, Marina Mabrey led the charge with an impressive 18 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists. The Liberty, already diminished, were also missing key players Nyara Sabally and Kennedy Burke, leaving them with only eight healthy players on the roster.
This losing streak is the longest for New York since 2022, when they suffered multiple defeats in a row. Frustration mounted as the Liberty struggled with 21 turnovers, severely hampering their performance.
The Sun took advantage of the Liberty’s misfortunes, rallying from an early deficit. After trailing 20-15 at the end of the first quarter, the Sun surged ahead, securing a 44-37 lead at halftime. The turnaround was fueled by a stunning jumper from Tina Charles just before the buzzer, showcasing the Sun’s determination to establish their identity as a competitive team.
With solid contributions from reserves Olivia Nelson-Ododa and Leila Lacan, who each added 16 points, the Sun maintained their momentum into the second half. A crucial three-pointer from Mabrey extended their lead to 56-46 in the third quarter.
Despite a late push from New York, which saw Sabrina Ionescu score 23 points and Jonquel Jones add 14, the Liberty could not close the gap. A layup by Stephanie Talbot brought them within 69-62 with just over five minutes remaining, but that was the last time they found the basket.
Looking ahead, the teams are set to clash again on Sunday, with the Liberty hoping to bounce back with the potential return of Emma Meesseman, the 2019 WNBA Finals MVP, who suited up but did not play on Friday. Coach Sandy Brondello expressed optimism about her inclusion in the lineup, which could significantly impact New York’s performance.
This matchup not only highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the Liberty but also underscores the Sun’s emerging potential. Fans will be watching closely as both teams prepare for their next encounter, making this a developing story to follow.
