New York Liberty Shatters Record with 19 Three-Pointers Against Chicago Sky
The New York Liberty delivered a dominant performance against the Chicago Sky on May 22, 2025, setting a new WNBA single-game record with 19 made three-pointers. The Liberty's sharp shooting and stifling defense led to a decisive 99-74 victory, solidifying their position as a top contender in the league. This article dives into the game's key moments, player performances, and the broader implications for both teams.
This game thread captures the excitement and real-time reactions from fans as the Liberty showcased their offensive firepower. The Liberty's ability to knock down shots from beyond the arc proved too much for the Sky, who struggled to keep pace despite their efforts. The atmosphere at WinTrust Arena was electric, as fans witnessed a historic performance that will be remembered for years to come.
Game Summary: Liberty vs. Sky
The New York Liberty's victory over the Chicago Sky was comprehensive, showcasing their strength on both ends of the court. Natasha Cloud led all scorers with 18 points, demonstrating her ability to drive the offense and score efficiently. Rachel Banham provided a spark off the bench for the Sky, contributing 15 points, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Liberty's balanced attack and record-breaking three-point shooting.
Here's a quick rundown of the game's key aspects:
- Final Score: Liberty 99 - Sky 74
- Record-Breaking Performance: The Liberty set a WNBA single-game record with 19 made three-pointers.
- Top Scorer: Natasha Cloud led all scorers with 18 points for the Liberty.
- Sky's Standout: Rachel Banham led the Sky with 15 points off the bench.
Key Highlights and Moments
The game was filled with memorable moments, from the Liberty's opening barrage of three-pointers to their consistent defensive pressure that kept the Sky at bay. Here are some key highlights:
- Liberty's Three-Point Barrage: The Liberty came out firing, hitting multiple three-pointers in the first quarter to establish an early lead.
- Natasha Cloud's Leadership: Cloud's scoring and playmaking were crucial in maintaining the Liberty's momentum throughout the game.
- Sky's Attempts to Rally: Despite being down, the Sky showed resilience, with Banham leading several mini-runs to try and close the gap.
- Record-Breaking Shot: The Liberty's 19th three-pointer late in the game sealed their place in WNBA history.
Player Statistics and Performances
Several players stood out in this game, contributing significantly to their teams' performances. Here's a closer look at some notable player statistics:
New York Liberty
- Natasha Cloud: 18 points, showcasing her scoring ability and leadership.
- Sabrina Ionescu: A key playmaker, contributing with both scoring and assists.
- Breanna Stewart: Providing a strong presence in the paint and contributing to the scoring load.
- Jonquel Jones: Dominating the boards and adding crucial points inside.
Chicago Sky
- Rachel Banham: 15 points off the bench, providing a much-needed offensive spark.
- Courtney Vandersloot: Orchestrating the offense and contributing with assists.
- Angel Reese: Battling hard in the paint and showing potential despite the loss.
- Kamila Cardoso: Adding size and defensive presence inside.
Where to Watch the Game
For fans who wanted to catch the action live, the game was available on My9 and Liberty Live. These platforms provided comprehensive coverage, allowing fans to witness the Liberty's record-breaking performance in real-time.
Post-Game Analysis and Reactions
The post-game threads on Reddit and other platforms were filled with reactions from fans and analysts alike. Many praised the Liberty's offensive efficiency and defensive intensity, while others discussed the Sky's struggles and areas for improvement.
Here are some of the key discussion points:
- Liberty's Championship Potential: Many believe that with this performance, the Liberty have solidified their status as a top contender for the WNBA championship.
- Sky's Need for Adjustments: Analysts noted that the Sky need to make significant adjustments to their defense and offensive strategy to compete with top teams like the Liberty.
- Angel Reese's Development: Despite the loss, fans are excited about the potential of Angel Reese and her development as a key player for the Sky.
Starting Lineups
The starting lineups for both teams were as follows:
| Chicago Sky | New York Liberty |
|---|---|
| Courtney Vandersloot | Natasha Cloud |
| Ariel Atkins | Sabrina Ionescu |
| Kia Nurse | Leonie Fiebich |
| Angel Reese | Breanna Stewart |
| Kamila Cardoso | Jonquel Jones |
Post-Game Press Conferences
The post-game press conferences provided valuable insights into the teams' perspectives on the game. Coaches and players discussed the strategies, challenges, and key moments that defined the match.
- New York Liberty: Natasha Cloud, Kennedy Burke & Coach Sandy Brondello shared their thoughts on the team's performance and the record-breaking achievement.
- Chicago Sky: The Sky's representatives discussed the areas where they need to improve and the lessons learned from the loss.
Where to Find More Information
For more in-depth information about the game, including detailed statistics and analysis, you can check out the following resources:
- ESPN Box Score: Liberty vs. Sky (May 21, 2025) Box Score - ESPN
- WNBA Official Website: WNBA Game Details
These resources provide a wealth of data and insights, allowing fans to delve deeper into the game and understand the nuances of each team's performance.
Looking Ahead
Following this game, the New York Liberty improved to 2-0 on the season and will face the Indiana Fever on May 24th. The Chicago Sky, now 0-1, will look to rebound in their upcoming games. The Liberty's record-breaking performance has set a high bar for the rest of the league, and fans will be eager to see if they can maintain this level of play throughout the season.
The WNBA season is just getting started, and this game between the Liberty and the Sky has already provided a memorable moment. As the season progresses, it will be fascinating to see how these teams evolve and compete for a championship.
Video Highlights
To relive the excitement of the game, check out the full game highlights:
Fan Reactions
Fan reactions to the game have been overwhelmingly positive for the Liberty, with many praising their teamwork and individual performances. On the other hand, Sky fans have expressed disappointment but remain hopeful for the team's future. Here's a glimpse of what fans are saying:
- "The Liberty are unstoppable when their shots are falling like that!"
- "Angel Reese showed flashes of brilliance, she'll be a star soon."
- "Sky needs to tighten up their defense if they want to compete."
- "Sabrina Ionescu is a magician with the ball!"
Additional WNBA Content
For fans interested in more WNBA content, here are a few related topics and discussions:
- Other WNBA Games: Stay updated on the latest scores and highlights from around the league.
- Player Profiles: Learn more about the rising stars and veteran leaders in the WNBA.
- Team Analysis: Get in-depth analysis of each team's strengths, weaknesses, and strategies.
Conclusion
The New York Liberty's record-breaking performance against the Chicago Sky was a statement game, showcasing their potential to dominate the WNBA. With a blend of sharp shooting, strong defense, and experienced leadership, the Liberty have positioned themselves as a team to watch this season. As for the Sky, they will need to regroup and make adjustments to their game plan to compete with the league's top contenders. The WNBA season promises to be filled with excitement, and this game was just the beginning.