The New York Liberty opened their 2026 WNBA campaign with a commanding 79-67 road victory over the Connecticut Sun on Monday night, showcasing the depth and defensive intensity that made them champions last season. The Liberty, playing their first game since raising a championship banner at Barclays Center, controlled the tempo from start to finish at Mohegan Sun Arena.
Game Summary
The Liberty seized control early, holding the Sun to just 14 points in the first quarter while building a 24-14 lead. New York’s defensive pressure never relented, forcing 17 turnovers and converting them into 22 fast-break points. Breanna Stewart led all scorers with 22 points and 9 rebounds, while Sabrina Ionescu added 18 points and 7 assists. For Connecticut, Alyssa Thomas posted a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds, but the Sun struggled to find consistent offense against a Liberty defense that ranked first in the league last season.
Key Moments
- First-quarter surge: New York opened the game on a 12-3 run and never trailed. Stewart scored 8 points in the frame.
- Third-quarter response: Connecticut cut the deficit to single digits twice in the third quarter, but Liberty answered each run. Ionescu hit a step-back three at the third-quarter buzzer to push the lead back to 15.
- Athletes Unlimited star shines: Newly acquired guard Betnijah Laney-Hamilton came off the bench to score 14 points on 6-of-9 shooting, including two triples in the fourth quarter that sealed the victory.
Tactical Story
Liberty head coach Sandy Brondello deployed a switching defense that neutralized Connecticut’s pick-and-roll game. The Sun’s DeWanna Bonner, held to 8 points on 3-of-11 shooting, couldn’t find space against the length of Stewart and Jonquel Jones. Offensively, New York ran a five-out motion that created driving lanes for Ionescu and kicks to shooters like Kayla Thornton, who went 3-for-5 from deep.
Standout Performers
- Breanna Stewart: 22 points, 9 rebounds, 3 blocks. The reigning Finals MVP was a plus-18 in her 32 minutes.
- Sabrina Ionescu: 18 points, 7 assists, 5 rebounds. Controlled the pace and hit timely shots.
- Alyssa Thomas: 12 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists. Worked tirelessly but lacked support from her backcourt.
Season Impact
The Liberty improve to 1-0 in the early season standings, sending an early message to the rest of the league that their championship core remains intact. The Sun, now 0-1, will look to rebound quickly as they face the Las Vegas Aces on Wednesday. The Liberty return home to host the Chicago Sky on Friday in what promises to be an emotional night when they officially raise their 2025 championship banner.

