Ionescu scores 36 points and Liberty advance to WNBA semifinals with 91-82 win over Dream
The New York Liberty are dedicated to securing the franchise's inaugural championship after narrowly missing out last year.
They have made significant progress towards this objective, as Sabrina Ionescu equaled a franchise playoff record by scoring 36 points, leading the Liberty to a 91-82 victory over the Atlanta Dream on Tuesday night, thereby advancing to the semifinals of the WNBA playoffs.
“The ultimate goal remains unchanged. However, every game is treated as a championship game in pursuit of that final objective,” Ionescu stated. “Our aim is to maintain an undefeated record at home. Therefore, it was crucial for us to secure these two victories, allowing us a few days to rest, recharge, and prepare for our upcoming opponent.”
Jonquel Jones contributed 20 points and 13 rebounds for the top-seeded Liberty, who completed a sweep of the best-of-three series and will face the Las Vegas Aces in the next round, commencing Sunday in New York. The Aces had previously defeated the Liberty in the WNBA Finals last season.
Jones remarked, "We have unresolved matters."
The Liberty entered the fourth quarter with a narrow one-point lead, and the teams exchanged baskets until Courtney Vandersloot's layup put the score at 75-72 with 5:41 remaining, igniting a 12-2 scoring surge. Breanna Stewart contributed to this momentum with an offensive tip-in, marking her first points since the second quarter.
Leonie Fiebich, who had scored 21 points in the opening game, then executed a three-point play, increasing the lead to 82-74 with 4:11 left on the clock. She followed this with a 3-pointer on the subsequent possession, establishing a double-digit lead for New York for the first time in the match.
"The run encompassed a bit of everything," commented Liberty coach Sandy Brondello.
Atlanta was unable to narrow the gap to fewer than seven points for the remainder of the game.
Rhyne Howard reflected on New York's late-game performance, stating, "I don’t believe they changed their approach. We put forth a strong effort and left it all on the court. Our coach advised us to avoid leaving with any regrets, and we accomplished that."
Allisha Gray and Howard exerted every effort to avoid elimination. Gray concluded the game with 26 points, while Howard contributed 19, including a significant block against Stewart during a fast break in the third quarter.
“We reviewed it four or five times before entering the postgame press conference,” Howard remarked with a smile.
Stewart acknowledged Howard's impressive defensive play.
“She executed it perfectly,” the Liberty star noted. “She made the block. I secured the win.”
In contrast to Game 1, where New York dominated Atlanta, the Dream started strong, led by Gray. They established a 28-19 advantage, with Gray scoring 14 points in the first quarter, successfully making all five of her attempts, including four from beyond the arc.
Atlanta held an 11-point lead in the second quarter until Ionescu began sinking long-range three-pointers. She propelled the Liberty to a brief 40-36 lead before the Dream finished the half with a 12-3 run, leading 48-43 at halftime.
Ionescu matched Cappie Pondexter for the highest points scored by a Liberty player in the postseason, a record set by Pondexter in 2010 against the Dream.
“I suppose I should have scored one more,” Ionescu joked.
The game attracted another sellout audience in New York, featuring Olympian Gabby Thomas, singer Pharrell, as well as Spike Lee and Whoopi Goldberg. Rapper Ja Rule entertained the crowd during halftime.
Ionescu shared that she received a high five from Lee in the third quarter.
“I felt as though New York was infused within me. I was determined that we would win,” Ionescu expressed.
SportsLigue