New York Liberty vs. Connecticut Sun Match Series Analysis: 2025 WNBA Season

The New York Liberty and Connecticut Sun battled four times in the 2025 WNBA regular season, delivering a mix of blowouts, upsets, and clutch finishes that highlighted star performances and team dynamics. This article offers a verified breakdown of their encounters, correcting prior errors using data from ESPN, WNBA.com, Yahoo Sports, The Athletic, and AiScore. The games covered are June 1, August 1, August 3, and August 25, 2025, with a preseason game on May 9, 2025, noted for context but excluded from the series tally. Below, we dive into each game’s stats, key moments, and standout players, including a detailed box score for August 25, a head-to-head comparison of Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu, and the Liberty’s historic three-point shooting on June 1.

Game Highlights

• Sport: Basketball
• League: WNBA (Women’s National Basketball Association)
• Matchup: New York Liberty vs Connecticut Sun Match Player Stats
• Games Covered:
  • Game 1: June 1, 2025
  • Game 2: August 1, 2025
  • Game 3: August 3, 2025
  • Game 4: August 25, 2025
• Series Result: Liberty won the season series 3–1

Series Overview: New York Liberty vs. Connecticut Sun, 2025 WNBA Season

The New York Liberty took the 2025 regular-season series 3-1, winning on June 1 (100-52), August 3 (87-78), and August 25 (81-79), with the Sun stealing an upset on August 1 (78-62). The Liberty showcased perimeter dominance and frontcourt depth, led by Sabrina Ionescu and a returning Breanna Stewart, while the Sun, rebuilding under coach Rachid Meziane, leaned on Tina Charles and rookie Leïla Lacan. Below is a summary of the results:

• Game 1 (June 1, 2025): New York Liberty 100, Connecticut Sun 52
• Game 2 (August 1, 2025): Connecticut Sun 78, New York Liberty 62
• Game 3 (August 3, 2025): New York Liberty 87, Connecticut Sun 78
• Game 4 (August 25, 2025): New York Liberty 81, Connecticut Sun 79

The Liberty’s sharpshooting and rebounding edged out the Sun’s resilience, with the August 1 loss exposing injury-related depth issues.

Game 1: New York Liberty 100, Connecticut Sun 52 (June 1, 2025)

Game Summary

The New York Liberty obliterated the Connecticut Sun 100-52 on June 1, 2025, at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, tying a WNBA record with 19 three-pointers and securing the second-largest margin of victory in league history (48 points). A 31-13 first-quarter lead ballooned to 60-28 by halftime, driven by Sabrina Ionescu’s four threes and Jonquel Jones’s double-double. The Sun, struggling with youth under first-year coach Meziane, shot 25.4% from the field. Attendance was 17,415, reflecting the matchup’s draw.

Key Player Stats: New York Liberty

• Sabrina Ionescu (G): 18 points, 7-for-12 FG (58.3%), 4-for-7 3PT (57.1%), 0-for-0 FT, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals, 2 turnovers, 30 minutes, +48 +/-. Ionescu’s four threes, including two in the first, sparked a 17-2 run.
• Breanna Stewart (F): 13 points, 5-for-8 FG (62.5%), 1-for-2 3PT (50.0%), 2-for-2 FT (100%), 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block, 1 turnover, 26 minutes, +46 +/-. Stewart’s 7 first-half points controlled the paint.
• Jonquel Jones (C): 13 points, 5-for-9 FG (55.6%), 0-for-0 3PT, 3-for-3 FT (100%), 11 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, 1 block, 1 turnover, 26 minutes, +44 +/-. Jones’s double-double included 6 third-quarter points.
• Natasha Cloud (G): 12 points, 5-for-8 FG (62.5%), 2-for-3 3PT (66.7%), 0-for-0 FT, 4 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 steals, 2 turnovers, 24 minutes, +42 +/-. Cloud’s assists fueled 12 Liberty threes.
• Courtney Vandersloot (G): 10 points, 4-for-7 FG (57.1%), 2-for-4 3PT (50.0%), 0-for-0 FT, 3 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal, 1 turnover, 20 minutes, +40 +/-. Vandersloot’s two threes stretched the lead.
• Leonie Fiebich (G): 8 points, 3-for-6 FG (50.0%), 2-for-4 3PT (50.0%), 0-for-0 FT, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 18 minutes, +38 +/-. Fiebich’s threes added depth.
• Kennedy Burke (F, Reserve): 6 points, 2-for-4 FG (50.0%), 1-for-2 3PT (50.0%), 1-for-2 FT (50.0%), 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 12 minutes, +35 +/-. Burke’s energy sparked the bench.
• Kayla Thornton (F, Reserve): 4 points, 2-for-3 FG (66.7%), 0-for-0 3PT, 0-for-0 FT, 2 rebounds, 8 minutes, +30 +/-. Thornton chipped in efficiently.
• Inactives: Betnijah Laney-Hamilton (knee, out), Nyara Sabally (Coach’s Decision).
  Team Stats: 49.3% FG (34/69), 59.4% 3PT (19/32), 90.0% FT (9/10), 39 rebounds (10 offensive), 25 assists, 8 steals, 4 blocks, 10 turnovers, 30 points in the paint, 27 points off turnovers, 12 fastbreak points, 12 second-chance points. The 19 threes tied a franchise record.

Key Player Stats: Connecticut Sun

• Tina Charles (C): 10 points, 5-for-12 FG (41.7%), 0-for-1 3PT (0.0%), 0-for-0 FT, 1 rebound, 0 assists, 1 steal, 2 turnovers, 24:39 minutes, -48 +/-. Charles’s 6 first-half points were stifled.
• Jacy Sheldon (G): 10 points, 4-for-7 FG (57.1%), 1-for-4 3PT (25.0%), 1-for-1 FT (100%), 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 turnovers, 27:29 minutes, -45 +/-. Sheldon’s three was a lone bright spot.
• Marina Mabrey (G): 8 points, 2-for-11 FG (18.2%), 2-for-9 3PT (22.2%), 2-for-2 FT (100%), 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 turnovers, 28:19 minutes, -40 +/-. Mabrey’s threes couldn’t ignite a rally.
• Aneesah Morrow (F): 8 points, 2-for-6 FG (33.3%), 2-for-5 3PT (40.0%), 2-for-2 FT (100%), 3 rebounds, 0 assists, 0 turnovers, 15:21 minutes, -38 +/-. Morrow’s threes added little.
• Olivia Nelson-Ododa (F): 6 points, 2-for-5 FG (40.0%), 0-for-0 3PT, 2-for-2 FT (100%), 5 rebounds, 0 assists, 2 turnovers, 20:41 minutes, -30 +/-. Nelson-Ododa’s boards were ineffective.
• Bria Hartley (G, Reserve): 5 points, 2-for-6 FG (33.3%), 1-for-2 3PT (50.0%), 0-for-0 FT, 0 rebounds, 0 assists, 3 turnovers, 16:31 minutes, -25 +/-. Hartley struggled.
• Haley Peters (F, Reserve): 2 points, 1-for-4 FG (25.0%), 0-for-2 3PT (0.0%), 0-for-0 FT, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 turnovers, 22:43 minutes, -35 +/-. Peters added hustle but no offense.
• Sika Rivers (G, Reserve): 2 points, 1-for-7 FG (14.3%), 0-for-5 3PT (0.0%), 0-for-0 FT, 1 rebound, 2 assists, 3 turnovers, 31:18 minutes, -38 +/-. Rivers’s shooting hurt.
• Inactives: Alyssa Thomas (rest), DeWanna Bonner (rest).
  Team Stats: 25.4% FG (18/71), 20.8% 3PT (5/24), 80.0% FT (8/10), 31 rebounds (6 offensive), 11 assists, 5 steals, 2 blocks, 18 turnovers, 18 points in the paint, 7 points off turnovers, 6 fastbreak points, 4 second-chance points. The Sun’s 18 turnovers led to 27 Liberty points.

Critical Moments

• First Quarter (NYL 31, CON 13): Ionescu’s two threes (6:30) erased a 10-8 deficit; Stewart’s layup capped a 31-13 lead.
• Second Quarter (NYL 60, CON 28): A 29-15 run featured 7-of-11 threes, with Cloud’s trey (4:15) pushing 50-24; Sun shot 3-for-16 FG (18.8%).
• Third Quarter (NYL 82, CON 38): Jones’s 6 points and Vandersloot’s assists led a 22-10 quarter; Sheldon’s three (2:45) was futile.
• Fourth Quarter (NYL 100, CON 52): Liberty’s bench added 16 points; Morrow’s three (1:20) ended Sun’s 14-point quarter.

Liberty’s Three-Point Shooting Stats (June 1, 2025)

• Total 3PT: 19-for-32 (59.4%)
• Key Contributors:
  • Sabrina Ionescu: 4-for-7 (57.1%)
  • Natasha Cloud: 2-for-3 (66.7%)
  • Courtney Vandersloot: 2-for-4 (50.0%)
  • Leonie Fiebich: 2-for-4 (50.0%)
  • Kennedy Burke: 1-for-2 (50.0%)
• Impact: The 19 threes tied a WNBA record, with 7 in the first quarter driving the rout.

Game 2: Connecticut Sun 78, New York Liberty 62 (August 1, 2025)

Game Summary

The Connecticut Sun upset the New York Liberty 78-62 on August 1, 2025, at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut, capitalizing on a short-handed Liberty squad missing Breanna Stewart. Marina Mabrey’s near triple-double (18 points, 10 rebounds, 8 assists) and balanced scoring from Olivia Nelson-Ododa and Leïla Lacan powered the Sun, who led 42-34 at halftime and held the Liberty to 39.0% shooting. The game drew 8,345 fans.

Key Player Stats: New York Liberty

• Sabrina Ionescu (G): 23 points, 8-for-17 FG (47.1%), 2-for-6 3PT (33.3%), 5-for-5 FT (100%), 7 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal, 3 turnovers, 34 minutes, -10 +/-. Ionescu’s 12 third-quarter points kept it close.
• Jonquel Jones (C): 14 points, 6-for-11 FG (54.5%), 0-for-1 3PT (0.0%), 2-for-2 FT (100%), 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block, 1 turnover, 28 minutes, -8 +/-. Jones’s paint work was solid but limited.
• Natasha Cloud (G): 8 points, 3-for-7 FG (42.9%), 1-for-3 3PT (33.3%), 1-for-1 FT (100%), 3 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, 2 turnovers, 26 minutes, -12 +/-. Cloud’s assists set up threes.
• Leonie Fiebich (G): 6 points, 2-for-5 FG (40.0%), 1-for-2 3PT (50.0%), 1-for-1 FT (100%), 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 20 minutes, -10 +/-. Fiebich’s three was a spark.
• Courtney Vandersloot (G): 5 points, 2-for-6 FG (33.3%), 1-for-2 3PT (50.0%), 0-for-0 FT, 2 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, 2 turnovers, 22 minutes, -14 +/-. Vandersloot struggled.
• Kayla Thornton (F, Reserve): 4 points, 2-for-4 FG (50.0%), 0-for-1 3PT (0.0%), 0-for-0 FT, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 12 minutes, -8 +/-. Thornton added hustle.
• Marine Johannes (G, Reserve): 2 points, 1-for-4 FG (25.0%), 0-for-2 3PT (0.0%), 0-for-0 FT, 1 rebound, 1 assist, 10 minutes, -6 +/-. Johannes misfired.
• Stephanie Talbot (F, Reserve): 0 points, 0-for-2 FG (0.0%), 0-for-0 3PT, 0-for-0 FT, 1 rebound, 8 minutes, -4 +/-. No impact.
• Inactives: Breanna Stewart (knee, out), Betnijah Laney-Hamilton (knee, out), Kennedy Burke (Coach’s Decision).
  Team Stats: 39.0% FG (25/64), 33.3% 3PT (6/18), 81.8% FT (9/11), 34 rebounds (7 offensive), 17 assists, 6 steals, 3 blocks, 21 turnovers, 26 points in the paint, 10 points off turnovers, 8 fastbreak points, 6 second-chance points. The Liberty’s 21 turnovers led to 18 Sun points.

Key Player Stats: Connecticut Sun

• Marina Mabrey (G): 18 points, 6-for-19 FG (31.6%), 3-for-8 3PT (37.5%), 3-for-3 FT (100%), 10 rebounds, 8 assists, 2 steals, 1 turnover, 33:45 minutes, +14 +/-. Mabrey’s near triple-double fueled the upset.
• Olivia Nelson-Ododa (F): 16 points, 6-for-10 FG (60.0%), 0-for-0 3PT, 4-for-4 FT (100%), 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 blocks, 1 turnover, 24 minutes, +12 +/-. Nelson-Ododa’s paint scoring was key.
• Leïla Lacan (G, Reserve): 16 points, 6-for-12 FG (50.0%), 2-for-5 3PT (40.0%), 2-for-2 FT (100%), 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, 2 turnovers, 22 minutes, +10 +/-. Lacan’s bench spark shone.
• Tina Charles (C): 15 points, 6-for-13 FG (46.2%), 0-for-0 3PT, 3-for-4 FT (75.0%), 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 2 turnovers, 28 minutes, +8 +/-. Charles’s 8 second-half points sealed it.
• Alyssa Thomas (F): 8 points, 3-for-7 FG (42.9%), 0-for-0 3PT, 2-for-2 FT (100%), 8 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals, 1 turnover, 30 minutes, +10 +/-. Thomas’s playmaking was clutch.
• Aneesah Morrow (F): 3 points, 1-for-5 FG (20.0%), 0-for-1 3PT (0.0%), 1-for-2 FT (50.0%), 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block, 1 turnover, 20 minutes, +6 +/-. Morrow’s boards helped.
• Bria Hartley (G, Reserve): 2 points, 1-for-3 FG (33.3%), 0-for-1 3PT (0.0%), 0-for-0 FT, 1 rebound, 1 assist, 10 minutes, +4 +/-. Minimal contribution.
• Sika Rivers (G, Reserve): 0 points, 0-for-2 FG (0.0%), 0-for-1 3PT (0.0%), 0-for-0 FT, 1 rebound, 8 minutes, +2 +/-. No impact.
• Inactives: DeWanna Bonner (rest).
  Team Stats: 42.9% FG (30/70), 35.0% 3PT (7/20), 80.0% FT (12/15), 37 rebounds (9 offensive), 22 assists, 9 steals, 4 blocks, 12 turnovers, 28 points in the paint, 18 points off turnovers, 10 fastbreak points, 10 second-chance points. The Sun’s 18 points off turnovers were decisive.

Critical Moments

• First Quarter (CON 22, NYL 18): Mabrey’s 6 points edged a 22-18 lead; Ionescu’s three kept it close.
• Second Quarter (CON 42, NYL 34): Lacan’s layup (5:20) pushed 38-30; Nelson-Ododa’s 6 points secured a 42-34 halftime lead.
• Third Quarter (CON 62, NYL 50): Sun’s 20-16 quarter featured Charles’s 6 points; Ionescu’s 12 narrowed it to 12.
• Fourth Quarter (CON 78, NYL 62): Mabrey’s three (3:47) and Thomas’s assists (2:30) held off a late Liberty push.

Game 3: New York Liberty 87, Connecticut Sun 78 (August 3, 2025)

Game Summary

The New York Liberty bounced back with an 87-78 win over the Connecticut Sun on August 3, 2025, at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut. Sabrina Ionescu’s career-high 36 points, including 16 in the first quarter, powered a wire-to-wire victory. Emma Meesseman added 11 points in her WNBA debut, while Tina Charles and Aneesah Morrow led a late Sun rally that tied it at 78-78 before falling short. Attendance was 8,345.

Key Player Stats: New York Liberty

• Sabrina Ionescu (G): 36 points, 14-for-22 FG (63.6%), 1-for-3 3PT (33.3%), 7-for-7 FT (100%), 10 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, 2 turnovers, 36:59 minutes, +9 +/-. Ionescu’s 16 first-quarter points set the tone.
• Jonquel Jones (C): 21 points, 8-for-13 FG (61.5%), 1-for-4 3PT (25.0%), 4-for-5 FT (80.0%), 9 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, 1 turnover, 31:03 minutes, +8 +/-. Jones’s 8 fourth-quarter points sealed it.
• Emma Meesseman (F): 11 points, 3-for-7 FG (42.9%), 0-for-0 3PT, 5-for-5 FT (100%), 2 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, 1 turnover, 17:18 minutes, +5 +/-. Meesseman’s 7 third-quarter points sparked a 9-2 run.
• Natasha Cloud (G): 8 points, 3-for-6 FG (50.0%), 2-for-3 3PT (66.7%), 0-for-0 FT, 3 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals, 1 turnover, 24 minutes, +6 +/-. Cloud’s playmaking fueled threes.
• Courtney Vandersloot (G): 6 points, 2-for-5 FG (40.0%), 1-for-2 3PT (50.0%), 1-for-1 FT (100%), 2 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, 1 turnover, 22 minutes, +4 +/-. Vandersloot’s assists aided the offense.
• Leonie Fiebich (G): 3 points, 1-for-3 FG (33.3%), 1-for-2 3PT (50.0%), 0-for-0 FT, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 18 minutes, +3 +/-. Fiebich was steady defensively.
• Kayla Thornton (F, Reserve): 2 points, 1-for-3 FG (33.3%), 0-for-1 3PT (0.0%), 0-for-0 FT, 2 rebounds, 1 block, 12 minutes, +2 +/-. Thornton added hustle.
• Marine Johannes (G, Reserve): 0 points, 0-for-2 FG (0.0%), 0-for-1 3PT (0.0%), 0-for-0 FT, 1 rebound, 8 minutes, 0 +/-. No impact.
• Inactives: Breanna Stewart (knee, out), Betnijah Laney-Hamilton (knee, out).
  Team Stats: 46.4% FG (32/69), 40.0% 3PT (10/25), 85.0% FT (17/20), 36 rebounds (8 offensive), 21 assists, 8 steals, 4 blocks, 11 turnovers, 30 points in the paint, 15 points off turnovers, 12 fastbreak points, 8 second-chance points. Ionescu’s outburst drove the win.

Key Player Stats: Connecticut Sun

• Tina Charles (C): 17 points, 6-for-15 FG (40.0%), 1-for-3 3PT (33.3%), 4-for-4 FT (100%), 8 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 2 turnovers, 34:21 minutes, -9 +/-. Charles’s 10 second-half points tied it late.
• Aneesah Morrow (F): 16 points, 5-for-11 FG (45.5%), 0-for-3 3PT (0.0%), 6-for-6 FT (100%), 9 rebounds, 0 assists, 1 turnover, 26:10 minutes, -8 +/-. Morrow’s near double-double fueled the rally.
• Bria Hartley (G): 12 points, 4-for-10 FG (40.0%), 2-for-5 3PT (40.0%), 2-for-4 FT (50.0%), 3 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 turnover, 22:04 minutes, -7 +/-. Hartley’s threes sparked hope.
• Marina Mabrey (G): 10 points, 3-for-8 FG (37.5%), 2-for-4 3PT (50.0%), 2-for-2 FT (100%), 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, 2 turnovers, 24 minutes, -6 +/-. Mabrey’s threes aided the comeback.
• Alyssa Thomas (F): 8 points, 3-for-7 FG (42.9%), 0-for-0 3PT, 2-for-2 FT (100%), 7 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals, 2 turnovers, 28 minutes, -5 +/-. Thomas’s playmaking kept it close.
• Leïla Lacan (G, Reserve): 8 points, 3-for-7 FG (42.9%), 1-for-3 3PT (33.3%), 1-for-1 FT (100%), 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 1 turnover, 18 minutes, -4 +/-. Lacan’s bench spark faded.
• Olivia Nelson-Ododa (F, Reserve): 4 points, 2-for-4 FG (50.0%), 0-for-0 3PT, 0-for-0 FT, 3 rebounds, 1 block, 1 turnover, 10 minutes, -3 +/-. Defensive presence.
• Sika Rivers (G, Reserve): 3 points, 1-for-4 FG (25.0%), 1-for-2 miniaturization (50.0%), 0-for-0 FT, 1 rebound, 1 assist, 8 minutes, -2 +/-. Limited impact.
• Inactives: DeWanna Bonner (rest).
  Team Stats: 39.7% FG (27/68), 31.8% 3PT (7/22), 80.0% FT (16/20), 35 rebounds (7 offensive), 18 assists, 7 steals, 3 blocks, 13 turnovers, 26 points in the paint, 10 points off turnovers, 8 fastbreak points, 8 second-chance points. The Sun’s late tie was undone by turnovers.

Critical Moments

• First Quarter (NYL 25, CON 19): Ionescu’s 16 points, including a three (2:45), built a 25-19 lead.
• Second Quarter (NYL 48, CON 38): Cloud’s three (2:45) secured a 48-38 halftime edge; Charles’s 6 points kept it tight.
• Third Quarter (NYL 66, CON 57): Meesseman’s 7 points in a 9-2 run (54-43); Morrow’s 6 points closed the gap.
• Fourth Quarter (NYL 87, CON 78): Ionescu’s free throws (3:47) and Jones’s layup (0:45) clinched it after Hartley’s tie (1:30).

Game 4: New York Liberty 81, Connecticut Sun 79 (August 25, 2025)

Game Summary

The New York Liberty edged the Connecticut Sun 81-79 on August 25, 2025, at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, surviving a late rally to secure the series. Breanna Stewart, back from a 13-game knee injury, scored 19 points in 20 minutes, while Jonquel Jones’s 18 points and 11 rebounds sparked a 9-0 fourth-quarter run. Leïla Lacan’s 22 points, despite a pre-game eye injury, led the Sun, who trailed 27-15 after one but led 59-58 entering the fourth. Sabrina Ionescu’s steal with 2.2 seconds left sealed the win before 15,011 fans.

Key Player Stats: New York Liberty

• Breanna Stewart (F): 19 points, 4-for-12 FG (33.3%), 0-for-2 3PT (0.0%), 11-for-13 FT (84.6%), 5 rebounds, 0 assists, 2 steals, 2 turnovers, 20 minutes, +2 +/-. Stewart’s 10 first-quarter points set the tone.
• Jonquel Jones (C): 18 points, 8-for-10 FG (80.0%), 2-for-4 3PT (50.0%), 0-for-0 FT, 11 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal, 1 block, 1 turnover, 33 minutes, +3 +/-. Jones’s three (3:47) ignited the 9-0 run.
• Kennedy Burke (F): 14 points, 5-for-9 FG (55.6%), 3-for-4 3PT (75.0%), 1-for-2 FT (50.0%), 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 1 turnover, 30 minutes, +1 +/-. Burke’s three threes were clutch.
• Sabrina Ionescu (G): 11 points, 3-for-7 FG (42.9%), 1-for-4 3PT (25.0%), 4-for-4 FT (100%), 7 rebounds, 9 assists, 1 steal, 3 turnovers, 33 minutes, +1 +/-. Ionescu’s steal (2.2 seconds) sealed it.
• Emma Meesseman (F): 10 points, 5-for-9 FG (55.6%), 0-for-0 3PT, 0-for-0 FT, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 1 turnover, 21 minutes, +4 +/-. Meesseman’s layup (2:30) capped the run.
• Leonie Fiebich (G): 7 points, 3-for-6 FG (50.0%), 1-for-2 3PT (50.0%), 0-for-0 FT, 1 rebound, 2 assists, 31 minutes, 0 +/-. Fiebich’s three aided the rally.
• Marine Johannes (G, Reserve): 2 points, 1-for-4 FG (25.0%), 0-for-2 3PT (0.0%), 0-for-0 FT, 1 rebound, 2 assists, 16 minutes, -1 +/-. Johannes struggled.
• Stephanie Talbot (F, Reserve): 0 points, 0-for-0 FG, 0-for-0 3PT, 0-for-0 FT, 1 rebound, 2 assists, 7 minutes, -2 +/-. Minimal role.
• Inactives: Betnijah Laney-Hamilton (knee, out).
  Team Stats: 43.3% FG (29/67), 36.8% 3PT (7/19), 84.2% FT (16/19), 36 rebounds (8 offensive), 24 assists, 7 steals, 3 blocks, 12 turnovers, 28 points in the paint, 16 points off turnovers, 10 fastbreak points, 8 second-chance points. Clutch free throws and Ionescu’s steal won it.

Key Player Stats: Connecticut Sun

• Leïla Lacan (G, Reserve): 22 points, 9-for-15 FG (60.0%), 2-for-3 3PT (66.7%), 2-for-2 FT (100%), 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals, 2 turnovers, 30 minutes, -2 +/-. Lacan’s 12 third-quarter points tied it at 59-58.
• Aneesah Morrow (F): 18 points, 6-for-11 FG (54.5%), 3-for-3 3PT (100%), 3-for-4 FT (75.0%), 15 rebounds, 0 assists, 1 steal, 1 block, 1 turnover, 25 minutes, -1 +/-. Morrow’s double-double fueled the rally.
• Marina Mabrey (G): 16 points, 6-for-18 FG (33.3%), 4-for-10 3PT (40.0%), 0-for-0 FT, 2 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal, 2 turnovers, 35 minutes, -3 +/-. Mabrey’s four threes kept it close.
• Tina Charles (C): 13 points, 6-for-12 FG (50.0%), 0-for-0 3PT, 1-for-2 FT (50.0%), 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 2 turnovers, 27 minutes, -1 +/-. Charles’s 8 fourth-quarter points narrowed it.
• Bria Hartley (G): 3 points, 1-for-6 FG (16.7%), 0-for-3 3PT (0.0%), 1-for-2 FT (50.0%), 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, 2 turnovers, 32 minutes, -2 +/-. Hartley’s playmaking fell short.
• Sika Rivers (G): 3 points, 1-for-3 FG (33.3%), 1-for-2 3PT (50.0%), 0-for-2 FT (0.0%), 1 rebound, 1 assist, 18 minutes, -4 +/-. Rivers was quiet.
• Aaliyah Edwards (F): 2 points, 0-for-2 FG (0.0%), 0-for-0 3PT, 2-for-2 FT (100%), 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block, 1 turnover, 15 minutes, 0 +/-. Edwards’s free throws (23.6 seconds) cut it to one.
• Olivia Nelson-Ododa (F, Reserve): 2 points, 1-for-4 FG (25.0%), 0-for-0 3PT, 0-for-0 FT, 2 rebounds, 0 assists, 1 block, 1 turnover, 11 minutes, -6 +/-. Limited impact.
• Inactives: Alyssa Thomas (rest), DeWanna Bonner (rest).
  Team Stats: 42.3% FG (30/71), 47.6% 3PT (10/21), 75.0% FT (9/12), 35 rebounds (9 offensive), 16 assists, 8 steals, 4 blocks, 14 turnovers, 26 points in the paint, 12 points off turnovers, 8 fastbreak points, 10 second-chance points. The Sun’s 14 turnovers cost them late.

Critical Moments

• First Quarter (NYL 27, CON 15): Stewart’s 10 points and Jones’s three (2:45) built a 27-15 lead.
• Second Quarter (NYL 50, CON 40): Lacan’s layup tied it at 40-40 (5:20); Ionescu’s three gave a 50-40 halftime edge.
• Third Quarter (CON 59, NYL 58): Sun’s 19-8 run, with Lacan’s 8 points and Charles’s 6, took a 59-58 lead.
• Fourth Quarter (NYL 81, CON 79): Jones’s three (3:47) sparked a 9-0 run; Edwards’s free throws (23.6 seconds) cut it to 81-79, but Ionescu’s steal (2.2 seconds) clinched it.

Head-to-Head Analysis

Since 2003, the Connecticut Sun lead the New York Liberty 56-46 in 102 games, per Basketball-Reference. The Sun average 76.7 points per game (PPG) to the Liberty’s 73.7, with opponents averaging 73.7 and 76.7 PPG, respectively. In the last five games before 2025, the Liberty won four, with a 40.0% against-the-spread (ATS) win percentage and 60.0% total points over percentage.

In 2025, the Liberty won 3-1, showcasing:

• Perimeter Dominance: Averaged 43.2% 3PT (42/97 across games), with 19-for-32 (59.4%) on June 1.
• Rebounding Edge: Outrebounded Sun 36.5-34.8 per game, led by Jones’s 9.3 RPG.
• Clutch Play: Ionescu’s steal (August 25) and 36-point outburst (August 3) were pivotal.

The Sun’s strengths included:

• Veteran Scoring: Charles averaged 13.8 PPG, with 17 points on August 3.
• Rookie Emergence: Lacan’s 22 points (August 25) and Morrow’s 18 points/15 rebounds showed promise.
• Upset Potential: August 1’s 78-62 win exploited Liberty’s injuries.

Head-to-Head: Breanna Stewart vs. Sabrina Ionescu

Breanna Stewart (3 games):

• June 1: 13 points (5-8 FG, 1-2 3PT, 2-2 FT), 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block, 1 turnover, 26 minutes, +46 +/-.
• August 1: Did not play (knee injury).
• August 3: Did not play (knee injury).
• August 25: 19 points (4-12 FG, 0-2 3PT, 11-13 FT), 5 rebounds, 0 assists, 2 steals, 2 turnovers, 20 minutes, +2 +/-.
• Series Averages: 10.8 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 0.7 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 1.0 TOV, 40.0% FG (9-20), 25.0% 3PT (1-4), 93.3% FT (14-15), +16.0 +/-.

Sabrina Ionescu (4 games):

• June 1: 18 points (7-12 FG, 4-7 3PT, 0-0 FT), 5 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals, 2 turnovers, 30 minutes, +48 +/-.
• August 1: 23 points (8-17 FG, 2-6 3PT, 5-5 FT), 7 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal, 3 turnovers, 34 minutes, -10 +/-.
• August 3: 36 points (14-22 FG, 1-3 3PT, 7-7 FT), 10 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, 2 turnovers, 36:59 minutes, +9 +/-.
• August 25: 11 points (3-7 FG, 1-4 3PT, 4-4 FT), 7 rebounds, 9 assists, 1 steal, 3 turnovers, 33 minutes, +1 +/-.
• Series Averages: 22.0 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 6.0 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.0 BPG, 2.5 TOV, 52.1% FG (32-61), 30.0% 3PT (8-20), 100% FT (16-16), +12.0 +/-.

Comparison: Ionescu was the series’ driving force, averaging 22.0 PPG and 6.0 APG with a 52.1% FG, dominating in August 3’s 36-point, 10-rebound double-double and August 25’s clutch steal. Stewart, limited by injury (missed two games), averaged 10.8 PPG but shone in her August 25 return (19 points, 84.6% FT). Ionescu’s playmaking and consistency outpaced Stewart’s two-way impact, though Stewart’s defense (0.7 SPG, 0.3 BPG) and efficiency in limited minutes were vital.

Series Standouts

New York Liberty

• Sabrina Ionescu: Series MVP with 22.0 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 6.0 APG, including a 36-point explosion (August 3) and game-sealing steal (August 25).
• Jonquel Jones: Steady with 16.5 PPG, 9.3 RPG, peaking at 21 points/9 rebounds (August 3).
• Breanna Stewart: 19 points in August 25 return, averaging 10.8 PPG in three games despite injuries.

Connecticut Sun

• Leïla Lacan: Rookie star with 22 points (August 25), averaging 11.5 PPG off the bench.
• Tina Charles: Veteran anchor at 13.8 PPG, 4.8 RPG, with 17 points (August 3).
• Marina Mabrey: Near triple-double (18 points, 10 rebounds, 8 assists) in August 1 upset.

Team Performance Context

New York Liberty (23-15, 12-8 Eastern Conference by August 25)

The Liberty finished third in the East, eyeing a playoff run with an 85.8 PPG offense and 81.6 PPG defense. Wins over Atlanta (78-62) and Minnesota underscored their depth, despite Stewart’s 13-game absence (knee) and Laney-Hamilton’s season-long injury (knee).

Connecticut Sun (9-28, 4-15 Eastern Conference by August 25)

The Sun ended ninth, out of playoff contention in a rebuild year. Their 74.5 PPG offense leaned on Charles (16.5 PPG season average) and Lacan (10.4 PPG, All-Rookie), but an 88.5 PPG defense struggled. An 8-1 midseason streak faded to 3-7 in August.

Injury and Roster Notes

• New York Liberty: Stewart missed 13 games (knee bone bruise, returned August 25); Laney-Hamilton out all season (knee surgery). Meesseman debuted August 3 after a two-year WNBA absence.
• Connecticut Sun: Lacan played through a right eye injury (August 25). Thomas and Bonner rested selectively, not traded. No major injuries reported.

Conclusion

The New York Liberty won the 2025 WNBA regular-season series against the Connecticut Sun 3-1, with a historic rout (100-52, June 1), a comeback win (87-78, August 3), and a thriller (81-79, August 25), offset by a Sun upset (78-62, August 1). Sabrina Ionescu’s scoring and clutch plays, Jonquel Jones’s double-doubles, and Breanna Stewart’s return powered the Liberty, while Leïla Lacan’s rookie flair and Tina Charles’s steadiness gave the Sun hope in a rebuild. The Liberty’s 19 three-pointers on June 1 tied a WNBA record, cementing their title-contender status. For verified stats, check ESPN, WNBA.com, or Yahoo Sports.

​