The New York Liberty opened the 25^th anniversary season at their new home, Barclays Center, with a win over the Indiana Fever, 90-87. Tonight’s victory is the team’s first opening night win since 2017 (Washington Mystics 87-76).

 

Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu tied the game with two free made free throws with 21.8 seconds remaining in the contest. After Indiana guard Kelsey Mitchell was called for a traveling violation with 5.8 seconds remaining, Sabrina Ionescu hit a game winning three with less than one second left to lead New York to its first victory of the season.

 

The WNBA’s 2020 Most-Improved Player, Betnijah Laney scored a game-high 30 points on 11-18 shooting from the field in her debut in seafoam.

 

TEAM NOTABLES

 

New York shot 47.0% from the field and 50.0% from beyond the arc. The team also shot 83.3% from the charity stripe.

 

The Liberty had 28 rebounds, 20 assists, 5 steals and 2 blocks.

 

Three Liberty players scored double figures: Michaela Onyenwere (18), Sabrina Ionescu (25), and Betnijah Laney (30).

 

Key Runs:

 

The Liberty got out to a 6-0 run to begin the contest, with two three-point shots from Sami Whitcomb and Michaela Onyenwere.

 

Despite New York taking a lead of as many as 11 in the first half, there were 8 ties and 7 lead changes.

 

New York and Indiana each scored 47 first-half points.

 

With less than one second left in the fourth quarter, tied at 87-87, Sabrina Ionescu converted on a game winning three to seal the Liberty’s first win of the season.

 

Up Next: The New York Liberty will take on Indiana Fever again on Sunday, May 16 at 2 pm ET.

 

PLAYER NOTABLES

Betnijah Laney scored a team-and game-high 30 points in her Liberty debut.

Sabrina Ionescu recorded her first career double-double with 25 points and 11 assists. She was only 4 rebounds away from a triple-double, with 6.

Michaela Onyenwere began her career in New York with the best rookie debut in Liberty history, scoring a franchise-high 18 points and 5 rebounds. Before tonight, Kia Nurse held the Liberty rookie debut scoring record with 17 (5/20/2018 at Chicago).

For Indiana, Kelsey Mitchell recorded a team-high 23 points, while Teaira McCowan finished with 22 points and 16 rebounds.

QUOTE OF THE NIGHT

Sabrina Ionescu on Game Winning Shot

“I actually had a dream about it last night. I try not to think about basketball too much before the game because I get nervous. But I 100% had a vision hitting the game winner. And when we were tied, I was smiling because it was too good to be true. I’m glad my coaches and team believed in me, and I’m just so happy to get this win.”