Full Breakdown
Wings' Third-Quarter Surge Destroys Liberty, Spoils Ionescu Debut
5/25/2026, 12:26:57 PM
Dallas Wings Upset Liberty, Spoiling Ionescu's Debut
On May 24, 2026, the Dallas Wings defeated the New York Liberty 91–76 at the Barclays Center. The win marked the Wings’ third victory in four games and ended the Liberty’s hopes of a strong start after guard Sabrina Ionescu’s long-awaited season debut.
Context and Key Players
The Liberty entered with their “Core Four” – Ionescu, forward Satou Sabally, forward Jonquel Jones and forward Breanna Stewart – back in the lineup after a series of absences. Dallas fielded rookie guard Azzi Fudd, the No. 1 overall pick from UConn, alongside fellow rookie Paige Bueckers, also a former UConn star. Both teams also featured veteran point guard Arike Ogunbowale for Dallas and head coaches Chris DeMarco (Liberty) and Jose Fernandez (Wings). Ionescu logged 11 points, five rebounds and seven assists in 31 minutes of play.
Game Statistics
Azzi Fudd posted a career-high 24 points, hitting six three-pointers – a franchise record for most threes in a game. Paige Bueckers also scored 24. Dallas shot 15-of-35 from beyond the arc (43 %). New York managed only eight of 26 attempts (31 %). The Liberty shot 31 % from the field overall. The Wings outscored the Liberty 28–10 in the third quarter, the decisive stretch of the contest.
Implications and Criticism
The loss underscored persistent defensive lapses for New York, which has allowed 90 or more points in three of its last five games. Forward Jonquel Jones noted the Wings opened up once they found rhythm from deep, while Stewart warned the team must stop conceding 90-point outings. DeMarco indicated the team will focus on faster transition and tighter closeouts. For Dallas, the performance validates the decision to build around rookie shooting and positions the Wings as a potential playoff contender.
Official Statements
Coach DeMarco said the team needs urgency and better transition defense. Coach Fernandez praised the execution and Fudd’s quick release. Stewart called Fudd an “incredible player.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “I thought we got hurt in transition,” — Chris DeMarco, Liberty head coach
- “She was drafted No. 1 overall for a reason, but her shot and her release is so quick and so deadly, and I think that you know she’s more than a 3-point shooter, and people are going to start to see that as her game grows in the W.” — Breanna Stewart, Liberty forward
- “Once they started getting going beyond the arc, the game really opened up for them,” — Jonquel Jones, Liberty forward
- “I feel good,” — Sabrina Ionescu, Liberty guard
Upcoming Games
The Liberty host the Portland Fire on May 25, while the Wings face the Las Vegas Aces on May 28.
