Sabrina Ionescu scored 21 points, and Jonquel Jones contributed 18 points and 13 rebounds to propel the New York Liberty to a 91-76 victory over the Chicago Sky on Thursday night.
Angel Reese extended her WNBA record double-double streak to 15 consecutive games, finishing with 10 points and 10 rebounds. Reese secured her 10th rebound with just over two minutes remaining, earning a loud cheer from the crowd.
New York (19-4) held a narrow 68-66 lead early in the fourth quarter before launching a 7-2 run to widen the gap.
Reese’s 10th point brought the Sky (9-13) within six points at 78-72 with 3:51 left. Following a timeout, Ionescu drained a three-pointer, and the Sky were unable to recover.
Chennedy Carter led the Sky with 22 points.
Chicago started strong, surging to a 37-24 lead midway through the second quarter, driven by Carter’s performance. However, Breanna Stewart ignited a rally for the Liberty, scoring the first seven points of a 14-1 run, closing the gap to 40-38 at halftime. Ionescu capped the run by tying the game at 38, scoring her first points after missing her initial seven shots.
Before the second quarter began, New York honored many of its former players, including ring of honor members Kym Hampton and Sue Wicks. The announcer saved Sky coach Teresa Weatherspoon for last, and her former teammates celebrated with her after the ceremony. Weatherspoon received a warm ovation from the crowd of 17,758, the largest in Liberty history at Barclays Center.
Both teams were playing the second game of a back-to-back. The Sky defeated Atlanta in Chicago on Wednesday, while New York triumphed over Connecticut.
The Liberty and Sky are set to face off again on Saturday in Chicago.
