New York Liberty Extend WNBA Best Start to 9-0 with 85-66 Win Over Chicago Sky

The New York Liberty extended their franchise-best undefeated start to 9-0 by defeating the Chicago Sky 85-66, marking them as the ninth team in WNBA history to start a season with such a record. Sabrina Ionescu led the Liberty with 23 points and seven assists, while Breanna Stewart contributed 18 points and seven rebounds. The Liberty dominated early, scoring the first 12 points and holding a commanding halftime lead of 52-32, eventually winning by 19 points despite missing Jonquel Jones due to an ankle injury. Chicago’s Angel Reese had a season-high 17 points and 11 rebounds, achieving her 30th career double-double in a record 42 games, but the Sky struggled without their starting guard Courtney Vandersloot, who suffered a torn ACL and will miss the rest of the season. Vandersloot, who helped the Liberty win the 2024 championship before returning to Chicago, was honored by the Liberty with a tribute, and her injury was lamented by Liberty coach Sandy Brondello. The Sky continue to face challenges as they try to recover from Vandersloot’s injury and their ongoing losing streak, while the Liberty solidify their dominance in the 2025 season.