Liberty's Comeback Victory
New York Liberty Mount Comeback, Defeat Indiana Fever 83-75 in Commissioner's Cup Play
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Key Points
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Even though the Liberty were cold from deep, they won the possession battle—New York won the turnover battle 15-11 and recorded a season-high 13 offensive rebounds, and they also didn’t make a three-pointer over the game’s final 36 minutes.
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Indiana’s collapse came after a strong middle stretch: the Fever led 57-45 in the third quarter before New York’s 10-0 run into the fourth, and the Liberty eventually led by as many as 11.
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Ahead of the game, New York’s and Indiana’s team-strengths looked distinctly different statistically: the Liberty were scoring at 87.6 points per game (while allowing 83.1), while the Fever were averaging 90.8 points on offense; the preview also spotlighted Jonquel Jones (13.6 points, 9.3 rebounds, 2.6 assists per game) and her 42.7% field-goal mark and 35.7% three-point accuracy.
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Sabrina Ionescu’s absence was tied to more than just a one-game status: she had played in only one game so far this season, was sidelined again with back soreness, and practiced on Friday—described as the first time New York had its entire team together all year.
The New York Liberty rallied past the Indiana Fever 83-75 on Saturday night in WNBA Commissioner's Cup play, erasing a 12-point third-quarter deficit to win their fourth straight game. Breanna Stewart led the charge with 30 points, including 18 made free throws — a Liberty franchise record — according to Newsday.
Indiana held a 57-45 lead with under four minutes left in the third quarter. Then New York went on a 10-0 run. By the time the final horn sounded, the Liberty had outscored the Fever 19-4 in the middle of the fourth quarter to pull away for good, WIBC reported.
Stewart and Sabally Fuel Liberty's Fourth-Quarter Surge
Stewart scored 23 of his 30 points in the second half, doing most of his damage at the free-throw line. The Liberty shot 33 of 40 from the stripe — 82.5% — while Indiana converted just 9 of 13. That gap at the line proved decisive, according to CBS Sports.
Satou Sabally added 13 points off the bench. The free-agent signing joined New York in April on a multi-year deal. Rookie guard Paulina Astier chipped in 12 points, with 8 of those coming in the fourth quarter, per SNY.
New York Won the Dirty Work Despite Ice-Cold Shooting
The Liberty shot just 2 of 18 from three-point range — 11.1%. That is a poor number by any standard. But New York still won the game by controlling possessions. The Liberty grabbed a season-high 13 offensive rebounds and forced 15 turnovers to Indiana's 11, Yahoo Sports reported.
New York did not make a single three-pointer over the final 36 minutes of the game. That did not matter. Coach Chris DeMarco's team won through hustle and free throws, not outside shooting. It was a sign of real depth — especially without star guard Sabrina Ionescu in the lineup.
Clark Struggles Late as Foul Trouble Shapes the Game
Caitlin Clark finished with 10 points, 9 assists, and 7 rebounds. She shot just 4 of 14 from the field. Clark picked up her fifth foul with 6:26 left in the fourth quarter, which forced her to the bench during New York's key 19-4 run, per CBS Sports.
Kelsey Mitchell led Indiana with 21 points, passing Taj McWilliams-Franklin to move 29th on the WNBA all-time scoring list. Aliyah Boston added 13 points and 9 rebounds — and broke the Fever franchise record for third-most career rebounds with 1,116, Chi City Sports reported.
Ionescu Still Out, But Liberty Finally Practice at Full Strength
Sabrina Ionescu sat out again with back soreness. She has played in only one game this season. On Friday, New York held its first full-team practice of the year. Coach DeMarco said her back "bothered her a little bit" after that session, according to AP News.
The win moves New York to 7-4 overall and 1-0 in Commissioner's Cup play. Indiana falls to 5-5 and 1-1 in the tournament. The Commissioner's Cup carries real weight — winners in 2022, 2023, and 2024 all reached the WNBA Finals. Indiana was the defending Cup champion entering this game, per WNBA.com.
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