New York pulled away late to score an 89-80 win over Connecticut in Monday night's Liberty vs Sun WNBA showdown at Mohegan Sun Arena.
Connecticut kept the game close for most of the night, but New York's discipline at the free-throw line proved to be the difference in a tightly contested WNBA Commissioner's Cup clash.
Edwards, Nelson-Ododa Lead Connecticut's Frontcourt
Aaliyah Edwards and Olivia Nelson-Ododa carried the Sun's offense in the paint, combining for 30 points with 15 apiece.
Nelson-Ododa was perfect from the field, going 6-for-6 while adding a team-high eight rebounds. Edwards, meanwhile, matched that scoring output by attacking the rim and converting baseline floaters to keep the Liberty's defense off balance.
In the backcourt, Saniya Rivers filled the stat sheet with 12 points, five rebounds, and three assists. Despite earning a rare backcourt violation, the 6-foot-1 guard also added two blocks, showing versatility on both ends.
Connecticut shot 41.7% in the first half, but foul trouble caught up to the Sun after the break. Heavy whistles ended up putting New York in the bonus early in the third quarter.
The Liberty then converted at the charity stripe with Breanna Stewart going 9-for-9. The power forward's game-high 28 points helped the team pull away just enough to seal the win.
Where to Watch WNBA Commissioner's Cup Games This Week
Connecticut next faces the Toronto Tempo on Wednesday at 7 PM ET (WNBA League Pass). Later, the Liberty visit the Atlanta Dream on Thursday at 7:30 PM ET (WNBA League Pass).
No. 7 Indiana appears back on track, toppling No. 2 Atlanta 83-71 to open its WNBA Commissioner’s Cup defense with Thursday’s Fever vs Dream win.
Fever big three Caitlin Clark, Aliyah Boston, and Kelsey Mitchell carried the game, combining for 61 of Indiana’s 83 points — while holding Dream leading scorer Allisha Gray to just 13 points on the night.
“There’s always going to be conversation, and I totally respect that,” Clark said of Indiana’s recent headline-making struggles. “But the sky is not falling.”
The Fever will aim to get another result against New York on Saturday, taking on a Liberty side confronting its own adversity.
Injury-plagued guard Sabrina Ionescu has played just one game for New York this year, though the team is hopeful she’ll return to the court tomorrow.
“May happened — that month was a little bit of a learning period for us,” said Liberty forward Breanna Stewart. “But this is June, now it’s our month to build that confidence.”
How to Watch Fever vs Liberty WNBA Commissioner's Cup Game
Indiana visits New York tomorrow at 8 PM ET, live on CBS.
Jonquel Jones recorded 22 points and 17 rebounds to lead No. 6 New York past No. 10 Toronto 97-82 in Wednesday's Liberty vs Tempo WNBA game.
The victory extends New York's winning streak to three games and moves the Liberty to 6-4 on the season.
Jonquel Jones, Breanna Stewart Power Liberty Frontline
Jones set the tone early, controlling the paint from the opening tip. By halftime, she had tallied 17 points and 12 rebounds for a first-half double-double. Toronto simply could not match her size or positioning down low.
All-Star forward Breanna Stewart managed just two points before the break, but she came alive for the Liberty after halftime.
Stewart scored 17 of her 19 points across the final two quarters, giving New York a second offensive engine when it mattered most. Behind that surge, the Liberty outscored Toronto 30-24 in the third quarter while steadily pulling away.
Satou vs. Nyara Sabally: Sibling Rivalry Fuels Liberty vs Tempo Win
Beyond the final score, Wednesday's game had a built-in family rivalry subplot.
The Tempo selected Nyara Sabally from New York in the 2026 expansion draft, setting up future head-to-head WNBA games with her sister, Liberty forward Satou Sabally.
That matchup delivered during a 15-2 second-quarter run by the Liberty. Satou hit a transition three-pointer over Nyara and knocked down two threes during the stretch to help New York take command.
Wednesday also marked a homecoming for Toronto head coach Sandy Brondello.
She led New York to its first WNBA title in 2024, before being released by the Liberty following the 2025 WNBA season. Still, fans gave her a warm ovation before tipoff.
Where to Watch WNBA Commissioner's Cup Games This Weekend
The Toronto Tempo now move to 5-5 on the season ahead of Sunday's 3 PM ET clash with the Chicago Sky, live on WNBA League Pass.
The Liberty, meanwhile, will host the Indiana Fever on Saturday at 8 PM ET, live on CBS.
The New York Liberty ended a three-game losing streak Wednesday night, finishing the Liberty vs Mercury clash 84-74 at Barclays Center.
The win improves the Liberty's record to 4-4, while Phoenix falls to 2-6 after its fourth consecutive loss of the 2026 WNBA season.
New York was missing key pieces in forward Satou Sabally, who was out due to illness, and Sabrina Ionescu, who missed the game with a back injury. However, the team also welcomed back a pair of important playmakers to the lineup.
Leonie Fiebich, Betnijah Laney-Hamilton Boost Liberty's Roster
Betnijah Laney-Hamilton returned after time away for personal reasons, while Leonie Fiebich made her highly anticipated season debut in Wednesday's Liberty vs Mercury bout.
Fiebich had delayed her stateside arrival to finish an overseas commitment with Valencia, with the Spanish side recently winning its league championship. She played 33 minutes in her first game back with the Liberty, contributing nine points and two steals to help steady New York's offense.
Despite the final score, Phoenix held a narrow 43-42 lead at halftime thanks to strong play from Kahleah Copper, who finished with 19 points. The Mercury then extended their lead to 55-49 midway through the third quarter.
At that point, Liberty coach Chris DeMarco subbed Laney-Hamilton into the game, sparking an immediate shift in momentum.
3rd-Quarter New York Run Secures Liberty vs Mercury Victory
New York erupted with a 23-0 run to close out the third period. Starting center Jonquel Jones powered the surge, scoring 10 of her 17 points during the stretch. Meanwhile, Marine Johannes sustained the offense with perimeter shooting, nailing seven 3-pointers on her way to a game-high 21 points.
New York entered the final frame on a 72-55 advantage, comfortably defended the double-digit lead until the final buzzer.
The two teams are scheduled to face off again in New York on Friday at 7:30 PM ET, live on ION.
A busy five-game slate headlines the WNBA schedule on Wednesday, May 27th, with teams looking to add to momentum or beat the odds as the 2026 season ramps up.
The night begins in Brooklyn, where the New York Liberty faces the Phoenix Mercury in a matchup featuring two perennial contenders still searching for consistency amid growing injury concerns.
Meanwhile, the Chicago Sky returns home to battle the surging Toronto Tempo. Later, the Minnesota Lynx host defensively dominant Angel Reese and the Atlanta Dream, while the Seattle Storm and Washington Mystics subsequently put standout WNBA rookies to the test.
With star power spread across the schedule and more than a few close betting lines, tonight’s games could deliver major movement in the WNBA standings.
Below is the complete WNBA schedule for Wednesday, May 27th, including where fans can watch each matchup live across USA and WNBA League Pass.
- Phoenix Mercury at New York Liberty, 7 PM ET on USA
- Toronto Tempo at Chicago Sky, 8 PM ET on WNBA League Pass
- Atlanta Dream at Minnesota Lynx, 9 PM ET on USA
- Connecticut Sun at Portland Fire, 10 PM ET on WNBA League Pass
NY Liberty vs. Phoenix Mercury Player Predictions
The NY Liberty returns to Barclays Center on Wednesday night for a meeting with the Phoenix Mercury, as both teams look to steady themselves after uneven season starts.
New York enters as the slight favorite, but injury concerns continue to cloud the Liberty rotation with Sabrina Ionescu, Satou Sabally, and Betnijah Laney-Hamilton all listed as questionable.
Phoenix arrives with a 2-5 record that may not fully reflect how competitive the team has been. Four of the Mercury’s losses have come by single digits, while New York has struggled to dominate opponents ahead of its third game in four nights.
Chicago Sky vs. Toronto Tempo Player Predictions
Odds favorite Chicago Sky is hoping to snap a two-game skid tonight, gearing up to face a Toronto Tempo squad also looking to rebound from consecutive losses.
Chicago’s recent struggles have intensified following Rickea Jackson’s season-ending injury, with the Sky slipping near the bottom of the league in offensive rating. Multiple injuries continue to thin the roster, including absences for Courtney Vandersloot, DiJonai Carrington, and rookie Gabriela Jaquez.
Toronto enters at 3-4 on the season despite recent blowout defeats to Minnesota and Portland. Still, the Tempo feature one of the league’s more dynamic backcourts as Kiki Rice, Marina Mabrey, and Brittney Sykes lead the offense.
Angel Reese Clash Headlines WNBA Games to Watch Tonight
Three additional games complete Wednesday’s WNBA slate, highlighted by a rematch between the Minnesota Lynx and Atlanta Dream.
Minnesota has impressed with a 4-2 start despite missing Napheesa Collier. However, Angel Reese and Atlanta already handed the Lynx a narrow loss earlier this season, giving the Dream a slight money line edge.
Elsewhere, Carla Leite and the Portland Fire play betting line favorites against the Connecticut Sun, while the rookie-powered Seattle Storm look to earn another win over the equally youthful Washington Mystics.
The NY Liberty is looking to right the ship, as New York enters tonight’s Mercury vs Liberty clash on a three-game losing streak amid a mounting early-season injury list.
New York fell to expansion side Portland 81-74 on Monday, wrapping up this season’s series against the Fire on an unexpected 1-2 record.
“It’s a learning experience,” said forward Breanna Stewart. “Not to say that we thought it was gonna be easy, because we definitely didn’t, but it’s gonna take time.”
The Liberty has only fielded its Big 4 — Stewart, Jonquel Jones, Sabrina Ionescu, and offseason signing Satou Sabally — once this year, with Sabally and Ionescu seeing limited minutes due to injury and illness.
“I’m glad it’s now and not later,” guard Rebecca Allen said of New York’s early struggles. “When this happens towards the end of the season, that’s when you see the wheels fall off, and it’s hard to regroup. Whereas right now, we’ve got the luxury of time.”
The Liberty faces a similarly motivated Mercury team, as Phoenix carries its own three-game losing streak into Brooklyn’s Barclays Center.
New York hosts Phoenix tonight at 7 PM ET, live on USA.
The Valkyries defeated the Liberty 87-70 on Thursday night, controlling the tempo from the opening tip. Five Golden State players scored in double figures, led by Gabby Williams with 16 points, while New York suffered without Sabrina Ionescu.
The decisive blowout spoiled the highly anticipated season debut of New York’s free-agent signing, Satou Sabally.
Sabally returned to action following a lengthy recovery from a concussion, recording five points and four rebounds in her first game with the franchise. Meanwhile, the Liberty offense struggled to find a rhythm without star playmaker Ionescu, who remained sidelined due to an ongoing foot injury.
Satou Sabally Returns From WNBA Concussion Protocol
Fans tracking Sabally's injury status finally got answers on Thursday.
The 27-year-old forward missed the start of the regular season while recovering from a cyst and a concussion sustained during Game 3 of the WNBA Finals with Phoenix last year.
After her long break, Sabally received a warm ovation from the home crowd in her first appearance for New York. She started the game and logged 16.5 minutes on the floor, providing a foundational piece for the team's frontcourt.
Sabrina Ionescu Injury Update: Liberty Offense Stalls in Loss
With Sabally back, the bigger question for New York remains the status of their star point guard.
Ionescu originally sustained a left foot and ankle injury during a preseason matchup against the Connecticut Sun. Although she returned to practice this week, she was ultimately ruled out just before tipoff.
Without Ionescu, Golden State disrupted the Liberty's rhythm early in the game. New York had averaged 100 points per game over their first four contests, but they found little room to breathe against the Valkyries' defensive pressure.
Breanna Stewart led the Liberty with 18 points and nine rebounds, while Jonquel Jones added 16 points. But the rest of the roster struggled to find efficient shots, and the Liberty finished the night shooting just 6-for-24 from three-point range.
While New York looked for answers on offense, Golden State capitalized on transition opportunities, building a comfortable nine-point lead in the first quarter. By the start of the fourth quarter, the Valkyries extended the margin to 63-46 and never looked back.
Golden State has a quick turnaround this week, heading to Indiana to face the Fever tonight while the Liberty takes on the Dallas Wings at home on Sunday.
New York is shoring up its WNBA injury report, hoping to see sidelined starter Sabrina Ionescu make her season debut in tonight's Liberty vs Valkyries matchup.
Star guard Ionescu returned to practice this week after missing the first four games with a foot injury. New signing Satou Sabally also joined training after dealing with a cyst. However, both players remain game-time decisions.
“We will see how they feel tomorrow,” Liberty coach Chris DeMarco said Wednesday.
Should Ionescu and Sabally suit up, they’ll be deepening the bench for a 3-1 New York team starting to click under its new coach.
Veterans Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones have shown consistent production. Guard Pauline Astier sits atop the rookie scoresheet, and the team expects Leonie Fiebich’s imminent return from Spain’s Valencia.
“It’s a new team and we have to get used to playing with each other,” said DeMarco.
“What we can do as a staff and players as a whole is continue to have the right space and understand, if a defense takes something away it means something else is open.”
Where to Watch Sabrina Ionescu in Liberty vs Valkyries
The Liberty hosts the Valkyries tonight at 8 PM ET, live on Prime.
The Portland Fire set off first-win fireworks on Tuesday, topping New York 98-96 behind a Sarah Ashlee Barker put-back buzzer-beater to cap a dramatic WNBA slate.
Liberty rookie Pauline Astier exploded for 24 points in the first half, before the 2026 expansion side stormed back to secure the debut victory.
“It’s very special,” Barker, who was dealing with undisclosed family issues before the game, said postgame. “But I think the thing that I’ll remember the most is how much we had each other’s backs.”
“What she has gone through the last 24 hours, it’s emotional,” Fire forward Bridget Carleton said of her teammate. “I’m really, really proud and happy that we can all be there for her and, and she gets to embrace this moment.”
WNBA Rookie Olivia Miles Lifts Minnesota Over Phoenix
Portland wasn’t the night’s only underdog, as Minnesota rookie Olivia Miles powered the Lynx over 2025 runner-up Phoenix 88-84.
With star Napheesa Collier sidelined, Minnesota saw six players hit double-digit scoring — including Miles’s 13 points, six rebounds, and seven assists — stifling Mercury guard Kahleah Copper’s 30-point performance.
“We’re happy with the overall response,” Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve said. “To out-rebound these guys like we did was key to winning the game.”
Lynx vs. Wings, Liberty vs. Fire Headline WNBA on Prime
Both teams are at it again tomorrow on Prime, as Minnesota faces Dallas at 8 PM ET before New York has another run at Portland at 10 PM ET.
The WNBA injuries report is already starting to pile up, as new knocks and lengthy recoveries impact teams before they even step foot on a regular-season court.
New York star Sabrina Ionescu will miss at least two weeks of action. The star guard rolled her ankle during the Liberty’s preseason win over Connecticut.
"Obviously wasn't good to see," Liberty forward Jonquel Jones of Ionescu's fall. "I was able to check in with our [trainer] and stuff during the game to make sure she's OK."
The injury involves the same left foot that sidelined her for much of her 2020 WNBA rookie season. However, an MRI indicated Ionescu avoided major injury.
As teams continue trimming rosters, short-term WNBA injuries will likely spur leaner squads as key players make their way back to the court.
Chicago’s Azurá Stevens is expected to sit out the Sky’s opener. And Golden State could enter the regular season without Kate Martin due to a Grade 2 quad strain.
"Kate Martin has been diagnose with a grade two quad strain, per Valkyries. She will be diagnosed in one week (May 5)," tweeted ESPN's Kendra Andrews.
"Golden State doesn't have any more preseason games, but the Valks' season opens May 8, so depending on her what her evaluation says, Martin could be at risk at missing game play."
Indiana might also be short-staffed, as guard Lexie Hull continues to navigate a hamstring injury. And later, center Monique Billings exited the Fever’s final preseason game with an ankle knock.
"They're going to keep evaluating day-by-day and give her an opportunity to make sure she's as close to 100% as possible," Fever coach Stephanie White said, updating reporters on Billings's injury status.