Stewart, Vandersloot spark Liberty to 86-69 victory over Sky

In an impressive display of athleticism and strategic prowess, Breanna Stewart and Courtney Vandersloot exhibited double-double performances and ignited a remarkable 22-0 scoring spree in the fourth quarter, propelling the New York Liberty to their sixth consecutive triumph with a resounding 86-69 victory over the Chicago Sky on a Sunday matchup.

Stewart, demonstrating her multifaceted skills on the court, accumulated 26 points, 14 rebounds, and five assists, achieving her 19th double-double of the season for the Liberty, an accomplishment that exemplifies her consistent excellence. Vandersloot, contributing significantly to the team’s triumph, orchestrated a symphony of contributions with 20 points, 10 assists, six steals, and five rebounds, an exceptional display of versatility against her former team. Notably, Betnijah Laney registered 17 points, while Jocelyn Willoughby delivered a commendable performance, amassing 10 points as a key contributor off the bench.

With this victory, the New York Liberty has positioned itself as a formidable contender, currently trailing the Las Vegas team by a margin of 1 1/2 games for the coveted top spot in the impending playoffs, a testament to their commitment to achieving excellence on the court.

Kahleah Copper emerged as the primary offensive force for the Chicago Sky, showcasing her prowess with a remarkable 23-point contribution, a commendable effort in the face of adversity. The Sky, positioned with a record of 15-22, was engaged in a close contest for the final playoff spot, sharing this distinction with the Los Angeles Sparks. Notably, Chicago has garnered the advantage in tiebreakers over the Sparks, securing their position in the post-season through a triumphant three out of four match-ups this season.

The game’s narrative unfolded with the Liberty seizing the initiative, establishing a two-possession lead as Vandersloot expertly converted a crucial 3-pointer, amplifying their advantage to 22-17. The Sky, however, demonstrated resilience as Marina Mabrey showcased her long-range shooting prowess, amassing 10 of her 12 points in the opening quarter, narrowing the deficit to a mere two points, with the score reading 22-20.

Throughout the second quarter, the Liberty steadily built and relinquished six-point leads, as Copper showcased her offensive prowess, contributing seven consecutive points that propelled the Sky to a close scoreline of 37-36 with just over two minutes remaining in the period. A testament to the Liberty’s resilience, the Sky was held scoreless for the remainder of the quarter, allowing Willoughby and Stewart to secure baskets that propelled the Liberty to a halftime lead of 41-36.

The contest’s intensity persisted in the third quarter, with both teams exchanging formidable blows. Courtney Williams and Copper ignited a surge for the Sky, sinking consecutive 3-pointers that knotted the score at 49-all, signaling a closely contested match with 3 minutes and 43 seconds left in the third period. Sika Koné then capitalized on the momentum, executing a layup that enabled the Sky to capture their first lead since the early stages of the game. Undeterred, the Liberty responded with a 10-6 surge, culminating in a 59-57 advantage as the teams entered the pivotal final quarter.

The decisive moments of the contest materialized as Koné exhibited her shooting proficiency, delivering a jumper that handed the Sky a momentary lead of 61-60. However, Stewart swiftly countered with a clutch 3-pointer, serving as a catalyst for an awe-inspiring 22-0 run by the Liberty. Vandersloot further cemented this commanding surge with three expertly executed shots from beyond the arc. As the dust settled, the Liberty held a substantial 21-point advantage with a mere 3 minutes and 9 seconds remaining in the game, a testament to their resolute determination and cohesive teamwork.

In conclusion, the New York Liberty’s resounding triumph over the Chicago Sky serves as a testament to their collective prowess, characterized by stellar performances from Breanna Stewart and Courtney Vandersloot. This victory not only solidifies their position as a dominant force in the league but also underscores their unwavering dedication to achieving excellence on the basketball court.

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• New York Liberty Official Website
• Chicago Sky Official Website
• Breanna Stewart WNBA Profile
• Courtney Vandersloot WNBA Profile
• Las Vegas Aces Official Website
• AP WNBA Coverage