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New York- In a thrilling game that kept fans on the edge of their seats, the New York Liberty faced off against the Connecticut Sun, delivering a nail-biting performance that ended with a final score of 82-75 in favor of the Liberty. The contest was marked by intense back-and-forth action, showcasing the resilience and determination of both teams. Before the tip-off, New Yorks Breanna Stewart's words resonated with her team, emphasizing the need to focus on rebounding and running while controlling the game's pace.
Photos By: Connecticut Sun Instagram.
The game commenced with the Liberty coming out strong, but the Sun, led by the impressive performance of Tiffany Hayes, managed to go on an 11-0 run, closing the first quarter with a score of 22-16. The intensity was palpable as players and fans alike felt the urgency of the contest. Tiffany Hayes was on fire, nailing jumpers and keeping the Sun in the game. However, Liberty responded with determination, with Laney sinking a crucial three-pointer and Sabrina converting at the free-throw line. Their 7-0 run in just 90 seconds showcased their ability to shift the momentum. Liberty also employed zone defense, disrupting the Sun's offensive rhythm.
The Connecticut Sun opened the second quarter with a 6-2 run, forcing the New York Liberty to call a timeout as they trailed 28-18, with DeWanna Bonner contributing four of Connecticut's points during that surge. The Liberty quickly responded with an 11-6 run of their own, narrowing the Sun's lead to just five points at 34-29 with 3:46 remaining in the quarter. New York continued to chip away, outscoring Connecticut 9-8 for the remainder of the quarter, heading into halftime with the Sun holding a four-point lead at 42-38. Tiffany Hayes led all scorers with 17 points, while Bonner added 11 points, along with four rebounds and an assist. Alyssa Thomas contributed four points, four rebounds, and five assists for the Sun by halftime.
The third quarter saw the Liberty come out strong, opening with an 11-7 run to seize a 49-47 lead, prompting Connecticut to call a timeout with 6:52 left in the period. The Liberty extended their lead to nine points, leading 56-47 after a 7-0 run following the timeout. Coach Steph urged her team to be tentative and maintain their composure. Connecticut fought back, finishing the quarter with a 10-3 run over the last 4:50, reducing New York's lead to just two points at 59-57 entering the fourth quarter. Hayes, Bonner, and Thomas each contributed four points during the third quarter for the Sun.
The fourth quarter belonged to the Liberty, as they opened with a 13-5 run, establishing a ten-point lead at 72-62 with 7:05 left in the game. Although the Sun managed to narrow the gap to five points on two occasions down the stretch, the Liberty held on for an 84-77 victory, outscoring the Sun 25-20 in the final quarter. Hayes was the standout performer for Connecticut in the closing minutes, tallying nine of her 30 points in the fourth quarter. Sabrina Ionescu led the way for New York with 21 points, displaying incredible accuracy from the free-throw line, where she went a perfect 10-10.
Post-game interviews reflected the pride and determination of both teams. DeWanna Bonner expressed her satisfaction with the Sun's ability to respond to New York's runs. Tiffany Hayes was locked in and excited to return home and play in from of their fans. Both players emphasized playing for Alyssa Thomas tonight! Coach Stephanie White stressed the importance of maintaining off-ball movements and adjusting. Coach Stephanie White praised Tiffany Hayes for her professionalism and focus.
Both teams displayed resilience, with the Liberty ultimately emerging victorious with a well-earned win. The players and coaches alike acknowledged the importance of teamwork, strategy, and maintaining control in every possession. Game 3 is set for Friday September 29th at 730pm.