Sabrina Ionescu's late-game heroics propelled the New York Liberty to a 95-94 win against the Chicago Sky, sending the team into the All-Star break on a positive note. Ionescu scored 12 of her team-high 29 points in the fourth quarter, making four of five field goals, including three three-pointers, in the final 10 minutes.
Jonquel Jones sealed the victory with a free throw in the closing seconds. With 56.1 seconds remaining, Ionescu hit a three-pointer to cut the Sky's lead to five. The Liberty then forced a shot clock violation. Following a timeout, Ionescu made another three-pointer to bring the Liberty within two points with 31 seconds left.
After Courtney Vandersloot split a pair of free throws, Pauline Astier secured the rebound and found Ionescu. Ionescu drove to the lane for an and-one layup, tying the score at 94 with 15.1 seconds remaining. Kamilla Cardoso's shot at the rim was missed, and Jones grabbed the rebound and was fouled with 3.4 seconds left. Jones made one of two free throws, which proved to be enough as Vandersloot's half-court heave at the buzzer was off the mark.
The win marked the Liberty's second consecutive victory, breaking a four-game losing streak. The team had trailed by 12 points with less than five minutes remaining in regulation after losing the third quarter.
Ionescu finished the game with 29 points, shooting 5-for-7 from three-point range, and added four rebounds and four assists. Jones recorded a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds. Breanna Stewart contributed 20 points, nine rebounds, and four assists. The status of Betnijah Laney-Hamilton, who missed her third consecutive game, remains a point of speculation as the WNBA trade deadline approaches on Aug. 2.
The Liberty will now observe the All-Star break, with events taking place in Chicago. The team will regroup in Los Angeles to begin the second half of their season.