New York Liberty On SI

Expansion Scream: Sabrina Ionescu, Liberty Survive Valkyries' Scare

The New York Liberty withstood a furious challenge from the WNBA's newest franchise.
Geoff Magliocchetti|
May 29, 2025; Brooklyn, New York, USA; New York Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu (20) during the first half against the Golden State Valkyries at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
May 29, 2025; Brooklyn, New York, USA; New York Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu (20) during the first half against the Golden State Valkyries at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images | John Jones-Imagn Images

The New York Liberty's most recent game was drastically different from the one that preceded it. Two constants remained: the opponent and the game's result.

Facing the Golden State Valkyries for the second time in three nights, the Liberty escaped from Barclays Center with a dramatic 82-77 victory over the WNBA's newest franchise. The win came just over 48 hours after the Liberty put a bow on a 28-point triumph in their first ride against the Valkyries on Tuesday in the same setting.

Sabrina Ionescu and Breanna Stewart led the way in scoring through varied methods: Stewart earned most of her 27 points through a 15-of-19 effort at the foul line while all but one of Ionescu's seven successful field goals came with an extra point offered.

The Liberty immediately return to action, as they'll take the floor in Washington on Friday night (7:30 p.m. ET, Ion).

Geoff Magliocchetti is on X @GeoffJMags

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Geoff Magliocchetti
GEOFF MAGLIOCCHETTI

Geoff Magliocchetti is a veteran sportswriter who contributes to a variety of sites on the "On SI" network. In addition to the Yankees/Mets, Geoff also covers the New York Knicks, New York Liberty, and New York Giants and has previously written about the New York Jets, Buffalo Bills, Staten Island Yankees, and NASCAR.

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