The New York Liberty edged out the Chicago Sky in a thrilling 96–95 nail‑biter on June 18, 2026, delivering one of the most dramatic finishes of the WNBA season. In a contest that featured 14 lead changes and neither team holding more than a seven‑point advantage, the Liberty survived a furious Sky rally in the final minute to escape with a road victory at Wintrust Arena.

Game Overview

The Liberty came into the matchup riding a three‑game winning streak, while the Sky were looking to bounce back after a tough road loss. From the opening tip, both teams traded baskets at a blistering pace. Chicago shot 51.4% from the field, but New York’s balance – five players in double figures – proved decisive. The game was tied 22 times, and the final margin of one point reflected the sheer competitiveness of the contest.

Turning Point – The Final Sequence

With the Sky leading 95–94 and just 12 seconds remaining, Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu drove into the lane, drew a second defender, and kicked to an open Breanna Stewart along the baseline. Stewart calmly knocked down a 15‑footer with 3.1 seconds left, giving New York a 96–95 advantage. Chicago’s last‑second heave from half‑court by Kahleah Copper clanked off the rim as the buzzer sounded, sealing the Liberty’s win.

• Key play: Stewart’s baseline jumper with 3.1 seconds left
• Turning point: Sky’s failure to secure a defensive rebound on Ionescu’s initial drive, allowing Stewart to get free
• Missed opportunity: Chicago’s Marina Mabrey missed a critical free throw with 20 seconds left (split the pair) that would have put the Sky up by two

Standout Performances

Breanna Stewart led all scorers with 31 points, adding 8 rebounds and 5 assists. Her efficiency (12‑of‑19 from the field) was a major factor, especially in the fourth quarter where she scored 14 points. Sabrina Ionescu flirted with a triple‑double, finishing with 18 points, 9 rebounds, and 11 assists. On the other side, Kahleah Copper poured in 27 points for Chicago, while Courtney Vandersloot dished out 12 assists and scored 15 points.

Tactical Story

Chicago’s high‑pick‑and‑roll offense gave the Liberty constant trouble, especially when Vandersloot and Copper forced switches. The Sky scored 54 points in the paint. However, New York’s ability to switch everything on defense and contest three‑pointers (Chicago finished 6‑of‑18 from deep) limited the Sky’s outside looks. Liberty coach Sandy Brondello’s decision to go small in the fourth quarter – using Stewart at center – allowed New York to spread the floor and create mismatches that ultimately decided the game.

Impact on the Standings

The win improved New York’s record to 14‑6, pulling them into a tie for second place in the WNBA standings with the Connecticut Sun. Chicago dropped to 12‑8 but remained firmly in the playoff picture. For the Liberty, this victory underscored their resilience on the road – they improved to 7‑4 away from Barclays Center. The season series between these two Eastern Conference powers is now tied 1‑1, with the next meeting scheduled for July 12 in Brooklyn.

What’s Next

Both teams continue their grueling June schedules. New York travels to Minnesota to face the Lynx on June 20, while Chicago heads to Dallas to take on the Wings. If this game was any indication, these two clubs will be major factors in the postseason race.