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Liberty Beat Sky 96-95, Ionescu’s Layup Secures Eighth Straight

6/19/2026

Summary

Liberty clinches win

The New York Liberty beat the Chicago Sky 96-95 in Commissioner’s Cup play.
Sabrina Ionescu scored 10 points and made the winning layup 10 seconds remaining after reentering with 15.6 seconds left.
Jonquel Jones added 19 points and eight rebounds as Sydney Taylor scored 24 points for Chicago, shooting 57% from three.
The victory gave the Liberty their eighth straight win and a perfect East record, hosting Washington Mystics Friday.

Summary

Ionescu Milestone

Sabrina Ionescu recorded her 1,000th rebound, becoming the fastest to reach 3,000 points, 1,000 assists, 1,000 boards.
New York posted best June defensive rating of 96.5, from 103.6 in May.
Coach Chris DeMarco explained the shift to drop-coverage on ball screens to stay aggressive.
Rookie Pauline Astier and veteran Leonie Fiebich stepped up while Sabally added seven points.
Commissioner’s Cup earnings are being donated to the African American Policy Forum.

History

Historical Context

After the NBA Board of Governors approved the WNBA on April 24 1996, the league launched its inaugural 1997 season with eight franchises, including the New York Liberty, who won the first game 67-57. The Liberty’s current eight-game streak and Sabrina Ionescu’s 1,000th rebound echo the early dominance of the Houston Comets, whose championship set the league’s competitive tone.

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Liberty clinches win

The New York Liberty beat the Chicago Sky 96-95 in Commissioner’s Cup play.
Sabrina Ionescu scored 10 points and made the winning layup 10 seconds remaining after reentering with 15.6 seconds left.
Jonquel Jones added 19 points and eight rebounds as Sydney Taylor scored 24 points for Chicago, shooting 57% from three.
The victory gave the Liberty their eighth straight win and a perfect East record, hosting Washington Mystics Friday.

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