On June 10, the Barclays Center crowd was treated to a masterclass in basketball intelligence. Sabrina Ionescu scored a team-high 23 points, leading the Liberty to an 85-66 win against the Chicago Sky. Her performance in tonight’s game demonstrated why she has a WNBA championship under her belt.
Ionescu set up plays with surgical precision, evincing a maturity and basketball IQ that even had Coach Sandy Brondello praising her postgame. So much so that Brondello forecasted a coaching career for the three-time WNBA All-Star once her playing days were behind her.
Coach Brondello Projects Bright Future for Sabrina Ionescu
The WNBA champion led the charge with 23 points and seven assists in just 27 minutes, shooting 9-of-14 from the field and a perfect 3-of-3 from the free-throw line. Her playmaking dismantled Chicago’s defense. Her precision passes to Stewart in the post, kick-outs to open shooters, and timely penetration kept the defenders off-balance.
Defensively, Ionescu registered four steals during the Tuesday matchup, displaying her prowess to impact the game on both ends. In the postgame press conference, Brondello showered praise on Ionescu’s evolution.
“She just keeps maturing as a player. Plays at both ends of the floor.[…] She’s just so smart, she’s gonna be a great coach one day too,” Brondello remarked, highlighting Ionescu’s ability to guide teammates through challenging stretches.
“She’s gonna be a great coach one day too”
Sandy Brondello talks about Sabrina Ionescu’s ability to learn on the court and her growing maturity as a player pic.twitter.com/OWGQxZIKrE
— New York Liberty Videos (@SNYLiberty) June 11, 2025
Such recognition from a seasoned coach emphasizes Ionescu’s transformation from a high-upside rookie to a linchpin of championship aspirations.
Through eight games in 2025, Ionescu is averaging 17.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 1.3 steals per contest. Over her career spanning 151 regular-season games, she has averaged approximately 16.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game.
Earlier this season, Ionescu became the fastest player in league history to reach 400 career three-pointers. She made 401 career triples in 151 games.
Liberty Topples Sky With 85–66, Taking Their Winning Streak to 9–0
The New York Liberty extended their historic unbeaten start to 9-0 with an 85-66 victory over the Chicago Sky. The Liberty’s aggressive defensive press forced Chicago into hurried shots.
The three-time WNBA champion Breanna Stewart spearheaded the balanced attack with 18 points, seven rebounds, and five assists. Kennedy Burke added 15 points, 2 assists, and 2 steals, providing timely bench contributions. Nyara Sabally made nine points, and Natasha Cloud scored five points.
Sab was in her zone tonight in the Liberty’s victory against the Sky🔥🤟 pic.twitter.com/MXt6JLoeMV
— New York Liberty (@nyliberty) June 11, 2025
Angel Reese fought valiantly for Chicago. She poured in 17 points and hauled down 11 rebounds. This was a remarkable comeback for her after her four-point night against the Indiana Fever on June 7, where the Sky fell with a hauntingly low score of 52-79.
But, against the Stewart and Ionescu-led ferocious Liberty, the Sky could not keep itself afloat. They were down by 20 points by the end of halftime. The Liberty’s 9-0 season start represents the best opening in franchise annals.
MORE: New York Liberty 2025 WNBA Schedule: List of All Games, Key Matchups, and More
As the New York Liberty’s schedule intensifies, maintaining this trajectory demands consistency and health management. With New York pursuing a potential back-to-back championship, Ionescu’s blend of talent and leadership will be pivotal to sustaining the Liberty’s historic run.