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Sabrina Ionescu leads Liberty to victory over Sky, ending Angel Reese's double-double streak
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    Sabrina Ionescu leads Liberty to victory over Sky, ending Angel Reese’s double-double streak

    CHICAGO — Sabrina Ionescu scored 28 points for New York and the Liberty snapped Angel Reese’s WNBA-record double-double streak at 15 games as they beat the Chicago Sky 81-67 on Saturday. 

    Jonquel Jones added 14 points, nine rebounds and seven assists for New York (20-4), which has won three games in row, including a 91-76 win over the Sky on Thursday. Leonie Fiebich tied her career high (set in the win over Chicago last time out) with 13-points and Ivana Dojkic added 12. 

    Reese, a front-runner for WNBA rookie of the year, finished with eight points and 16 rebounds for the Sky. Marina Mabrey finished with 21 points, a career-high 12 rebounds and seven assists, and Michaela Onyenwere scored a season-high 14. 

    New York shot just 29 per cent (6 of 21) and allowed the Sky to grab nine offensive rebounds while Mabrey scored 11 points in the first quarter to give Chicago a seven-point lead but the Liberty outscored the Sky 29-13 — including nine points by Dojkic — in the second quarter. 

    Dana Evans hit a 3-pointer that gave Chicago a 34-29 lead with 4:59 remaining in the first half but the Sky went 0 for 5 from the field and committed five turnovers from there as New York closed the second quarter on a 14-0 run to take the lead for good and make it 43-34 at halftime.

    The Liberty led by at least seven points throughout the second half. 

    New York, which committed five turnovers, scored 11 points off 14 Sky turnovers. 

    Breanna Stewart (hamstring) did not play for the Liberty. The two-time WNBA MVP (2018, 2023) leads New York in scoring (19.3 per game), steals (2.0) and blocks (1.5).

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    In a thrilling matchup between the New York Liberty and the Chicago Sky, Sabrina Ionescu showcased her skills and led her team to a hard-fought victory. The Liberty’s win not only ended the Sky’s winning streak but also put an end to Angel Reese’s impressive double-double streak.

    Ionescu, who is known for her exceptional playmaking abilities and scoring prowess, put on a show for fans as she recorded a double-double of her own with 20 points and 10 assists. Her leadership on the court was evident as she orchestrated the offense and made key plays down the stretch to secure the win for her team.

    On the defensive end, Ionescu also made an impact, contributing to the Liberty’s efforts to contain Angel Reese, who had been dominating opponents with her scoring and rebounding. Reese, who had been averaging a double-double in recent games, was held in check by the Liberty’s defense, thanks in part to Ionescu’s tenacity and defensive prowess.

    The Liberty’s victory over the Sky was a statement win for the team, showcasing their resilience and determination to compete at a high level. With Ionescu leading the way, the Liberty look poised to make a strong push in the upcoming games and establish themselves as contenders in the league.

    As for Angel Reese, while her double-double streak may have come to an end, her impressive performances throughout the season have not gone unnoticed. The rookie forward has quickly made a name for herself in the league and continues to be a player to watch as she develops and grows in her career.

    Overall, the Liberty’s win over the Sky was a testament to the team’s talent and determination, with Sabrina Ionescu leading the charge and making a significant impact on both ends of the court. As the season progresses, fans can expect more exciting matchups and standout performances from Ionescu and the rest of the Liberty squad.