UPDATE: The Connecticut Sun delivered a stunning victory over the short-handed New York Liberty, winning 78-62 on July 14, 2023, propelled by a standout performance from Marina Mabrey. This defeat marks the Liberty’s fourth consecutive loss, deepening their struggles without star forward Breanna Stewart, who is sidelined with a knee injury.
The Liberty’s roster was severely depleted, featuring only eight healthy players due to the absence of key players like Nyara Sabally and Kennedy Burke. This situation has placed the team in the midst of its longest losing streak since 2022, igniting concerns about their playoff prospects as they struggle to find their rhythm.
The Sun, standing at 5-21, seized the opportunity to assert themselves. Mabrey led the charge with 18 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists, highlighting her critical role in the team’s efforts to establish a competitive identity. Reserves Olivia Nelson-Ododa and Leila Lacan each contributed 16 points, while veteran Tina Charles added 15 points to solidify the win.
After trailing 20-15 at the end of the first quarter, the Sun surged in the second, closing out the half with a 44-37 lead thanks to Charles’s jumper just before the buzzer. Connecticut maintained their momentum, extending their lead to 56-46 in the third quarter with Mabrey’s timely three-pointer.
Despite a late push from New York, who narrowed the gap to 69-62 with a layup from Stephanie Talbot, the Liberty failed to score again in the final five minutes. Sabrina Ionescu led New York with 23 points, while Jonquel Jones added 14 points. However, the team struggled with 21 turnovers, a statistic that reflects their ongoing challenges.
In a significant development, former WNBA Finals MVP Emma Meesseman suited up for the Liberty but did not play as she acclimated to her new team. Coach Sandy Brondello expressed optimism about her participation in the upcoming rematch on Sunday in Connecticut.
With the Sun’s decisive victory, they look to build on this momentum, while the Liberty must regroup quickly if they hope to turn their fortunes around. As both teams prepare for their next encounter, all eyes will be on New York to see if they can break their losing streak and return to form.
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.
