The New York Liberty demonstrated their dominance with a decisive win over the Washington Mystics, marking their best start in franchise history.
With a 6-0 record, the Liberty secured an 85-63 victory on Friday. Sabrina Ionescu led the charge with 28 points, including four successful three-pointers. Jonquel Jones contributed significantly with 14 points and an impressive 18 rebounds.
Washington struggled offensively, shooting only 28% from the field and making just four of their 16 attempts from beyond the arc. Despite Brittney Sykes narrowing the gap to four points in the second half, Ionescu’s quick response with a runner and subsequent free throw ignited a crucial 16-0 run for New York. The Mystics faced scoring droughts exceeding six minutes in the third quarter and over four minutes in the fourth.
New York head coach Brondello praised Leonie Fiebich for her defensive skills, noting her versatility on the court. “She loves defence,” Brondello stated, highlighting Fiebich’s ability to shoot threes, cut through defences, and post up effectively. This multifaceted approach was instrumental in maintaining New York’s momentum throughout the game.
During a pivotal moment in the third quarter, Brondello called a timeout to halt an 11-2 run by Washington that threatened to shift momentum. Ionescu then executed an impressive and-1 play over Sonia Citron, solidifying New York’s lead. Reflecting on Citron, Ionescu shared her admiration: “She’s one of my favourite players out of this rookie class.”
Ionescu further expressed her willingness to mentor Citron as she navigates her early career in the league. “You know, I was able to kind of reach out to her when she got drafted,” Ionescu said. She aims to be a supportive figure for Citron as she adjusts to professional basketball.
Looking ahead, New York will face off against the Connecticut Sun next. The Sun recently claimed their first victory by defeating Indiana Fever without Caitlin Clark. This upcoming match promises to be another test for both teams as they continue their respective seasons.