While Sabrina Ionescu ended the New York Liberty’s latest win with a key defensive play, Chicago Sky rookie Angel Reese extended a WNBA record on Wednesday.
The two guards and their teams face a quick turnaround on Thursday night when Ionescu and the Liberty host Reese and the Sky.
The Liberty (18-4) are attempting to get on another winning streak after earning a 71-68 victory at Connecticut on Wednesday.
New York saw its five-game winning streak halted with a five-point loss at the Indiana Fever on Saturday. The Liberty, however, rebounded on Wednesday thanks to Ionescu, who blocked a 3-point try by Tyasha Harris in the waning moments.
Ionescu’s defensive play was part of a 21-point showing that saw her hit a go-ahead 15-footer with 1:58 left and another basket with 4.1 seconds left before the timely block.
“Playing 40 minutes of tough, gritty basketball. That last game was uncharacteristic,” Ionescu said. “Last game we were a little clunky, we used things to our advantage.”
Breanna Stewart added 18 points and 14 rebounds while also getting the assist on Ionescu’s key basket.
“We’re in a great place, but we haven’t peaked and don’t want to peak yet,” Stewart said. “Sometimes the shot isn’t falling but we want to finish strong for these last three and then lock in the second part.”
New York will look to heat up against Chicago (9-12), which is 5-3 over its past eight games.
Reese extended a WNBA record by securing a double-double in her 14th straight contest. She did so in the final seconds of a 78-69 win over the Atlanta Dream.
After surpassing the previous mark held by Candace Parker in Sunday’s 13-point loss at Seattle, Reese collected 11 points and 13 rebounds on Wednesday.
Chennedy Carter scored 19 points, including the basket in the game-ending 8-0 run. Rookie Kamilla Cardoso collected 10 points and 11 rebounds for her third double-double of the season.
“We recognize what the schedule looks like,” Chicago coach Teresa Weatherspoon said. “That schedule is tough.”
–Field Level Media