Ionescu's 27 Points Lead Liberty to Thrilling 94-92 Win Over Mercury
Sabrina Ionescu delivered another standout performance, recording 27 points and 10 assists, as the New York Liberty narrowly defeated the Phoenix Mercury 94-92 on Saturday. Han Xu added 17 points off the bench, and Breanna Stewart contributed 14 points and 11 rebounds, helping the Liberty improve to 17-13 on the season.
The game came down to the wire, with New York holding an eight-point lead entering the final minute. Phoenix's Kahleah Copper and DeWanna Bonner combined for 50 points, and Bonner's late three-pointer cut the deficit to 92-90 with 24.1 seconds remaining. The Mercury fouled twice in quick succession, sending Stewart to the free-throw line, where she calmly converted both attempts. Alyssa Thomas scored with four seconds left for the Mercury, but time expired before they could tie the game.
Ionescu's efficiency was key: she shot 45% from the field and went a perfect 8-for-8 from the free-throw line. Her playmaking was equally crucial, as she orchestrated the Liberty's offense in a game where they finished a perfect 19-for-19 from the charity stripe.
A Resurgence Built on Health and Consistency
Ionescu's explosive start to August is a far cry from her early-season struggles. Injuries delayed her season debut and then kept her in and out of the lineup, leading to inconsistent play. But since mid-July, the former No. 1 overall pick has reasserted herself as one of the WNBA's elite guards.
Over the past month, Ionescu has averaged 21.6 points per game while shooting 45.2% from the field, 37.9% from three-point range, and 91.9% from the free-throw line. She's knocked down 3.1 threes per game and has scored 20 or more points in each of New York's last three contests, all wins. Her ability to stay healthy has allowed her to string together games, and the results are showing—both individually and for a Liberty team that is jockeying for playoff positioning.
In Saturday's win, Ionescu's 10 assists marked her second consecutive double-double, and her chemistry with Stewart and Jonquel Jones (16 points, 9 rebounds) is becoming a defining factor for New York's late-season push. The Liberty now head home for a two-game series against the Seattle Storm, followed by a challenging stretch that will test their mettle against Western Conference contenders.
Ionescu's Form Adds Another Layer to a Competitive WNBA Season
Ionescu's resurgence comes at a pivotal moment in the WNBA calendar, with teams positioning themselves for the playoffs and individual awards races heating up. While Caitlin Clark has garnered headlines for her scoring bursts, Ionescu's efficiency and all-around production make her a formidable force in her own right. Her ability to score from deep, create for others, and perform under pressure (as seen in her clutch free throws and late-game decision-making) makes the Liberty a dangerous playoff sleeper.
Moreover, Ionescu's return to form deepens the league's narrative: the WNBA's star power is at an all-time high, with Clark, Ionescu, A'ja Wilson, and Breanna Stewart all delivering at an MVP-caliber level. For New York, the implications are clear—if Ionescu can maintain this trajectory, the Liberty can compete with any team in the league. Their perfect free-throw shooting on Saturday is a testament to their composure, and Ionescu is the engine driving that confidence.
The Liberty's next test comes Monday against Seattle, where Ionescu will look to extend her scoring streak and continue building momentum. With the playoffs looming, every game matters, and Ionescu's health—and her ability to perform at this level—will be the single biggest factor in how far New York goes. For now, her 27-point, 10-assist masterclass against Phoenix is a clear statement: Sabrina Ionescu is back, and the rest of the WNBA should take notice.
For more on the latest in WNBA action, check out our coverage of the Indiana Fever's season-ending injury to Damiris Dantas and the thrilling Arsenal vs Real Betis friendly.
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