On a brisk May evening in Chicago, the New York Liberty didn’t just win a basketball game—they etched their name into the WNBA record books. In a commanding 99-74 victory over the Chicago Sky, the defending champions showcased why they remain the team to beat, combining surgical precision from beyond the arc with relentless defensive pressure. The Liberty’s record-breaking 19 three-pointers—a new regular-season high—left the Sky scrambling for answers and reaffirmed New York’s status as a juggernaut in the league .
A Three-Point Symphony
From the opening tip, the Liberty’s offense operated like a well-oiled machine. Eight of nine players who attempted a three-pointer connected at least once, with the team shooting an astonishing 56% from deep (19-of-34). Natasha Cloud, the Liberty’s marquee offseason acquisition, set the tone early, sinking four of her five three-point attempts en route to 18 points and eight assists. Her ability to balance scoring and playmaking kept Chicago’s defense off-balance all night, as she repeatedly found open teammates in transition or stepped into rhythm shots herself .
But Cloud wasn’t alone. Kennedy Burke, coming off the bench, delivered a flawless 4-of-4 performance from beyond the arc, finishing with 17 points. Starters Sabrina Ionescu (16 points), Breanna Stewart (12 points), and Jonquel Jones (11 points) added to the onslaught, demonstrating the Liberty’s enviable depth. Even in garbage time, New York’s reserves kept their foot on the gas, outscoring Chicago’s bench 34-22 and maintaining the team’s 55% overall shooting efficiency .
Chicago’s Offensive Woes
While the Liberty soared, the Sky sputtered. Chicago’s offense, already under scrutiny after a dismal 58-point outing in their season opener, failed to find rhythm. Rookie phenom Angel Reese endured a night to forget, going 0-for-8 from the field—marking the first time since 2021 she failed to make a basket in a game. Though she contributed 12 rebounds (eight offensive), her struggles symbolized the Sky’s broader inefficiency. The team shot just 36% from the field and committed 23 turnovers, which the Liberty converted into 27 points .
Veteran guard Courtney Vandersloot, returning to Chicago after a stint with New York last season, tried to spark her team with 14 points. Rachel Banham provided a brief offensive lift off the bench with 15 points, but the Sky’s disjointed play and inability to counter New York’s defensive switches left them trailing by as many as 30 points in the fourth quarter .
The Game’s Defining Moments
The Liberty’s dominance wasn’t immediate. After a competitive first quarter, New York led just 28-23. But a 17-2 run to close the second quarter—fueled by Stewart and Ionescu—stretched the lead to 53-32 by halftime. Chicago briefly showed life in the third quarter, opening with an 8-0 burst, but the Liberty responded with a 13-4 run early in the fourth to extinguish any hope of a comeback. Cloud’s eight-point flurry during that stretch exemplified New York’s ability to elevate their game when challenged .
Defensively, the Liberty exploited Chicago’s lack of cohesion. By trapping ball handlers and rotating aggressively on the perimeter, they forced the Sky into contested shots and careless passes. Even reigning Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert, though not a focal point offensively, anchored the paint with timely blocks and altered shots, limiting Chicago to just 22 points in the paint .
Looking Ahead
For the Liberty, this game was a statement. Integrating new pieces like Cloud while maintaining their championship identity, they’ve emerged as a seamless blend of veteran savvy and youthful energy. Their next test—a showdown against Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever—will gauge whether this offensive explosion is sustainable or merely a glimpse of their ceiling .
The Sky, meanwhile, face urgent questions. Reese’s development as a scoring threat is critical, but she’ll need more support from a roster still adjusting to new head coach Tyler Marsh’s system. The return of Chennedy Carter via free agency could alleviate some scoring pressure, but for now, Chicago must address its turnover woes and find consistency beyond Vandersloot’s leadership .
Conclusion
The Liberty’s record-setting night was more than a display of sharpshooting—it was a reminder of their championship pedigree. By blending unselfish ball movement, defensive tenacity, and bench production, they’ve set a daunting standard for the league. For the Sky, the path forward is murkier, but with Reese’s relentless rebounding and Vandersloot’s steady hand, there’s hope for growth.
As the WNBA season unfolds, New York’s performance will be dissected for weaknesses, but on this night, they offered none. In a league where parity reigns, the Liberty’s ability to elevate their game when it matters most makes them a formidable contender to repeat as champions. For Chicago, the lesson is clear: to compete with the best, every possession—and every shot—must count.
