A late Liberty surge, sparked by Marine Johannes, sinks the Sun as Sabrina Ionescu sits

In a hard-fought game at the Spectrum Center in Uncasville, Connecticut, the New York Liberty secured a 82-75 victory over the Connecticut Sun. Jonquel Jones led the way with 23 points and Marine Johannes orchestrated a crucial fourth-quarter surge, contributing 17 points and two key three-pointers in the closing minutes. Unfortunately, Sabrina Ionescu, a pivotal player for the Liberty, sat out due to a tweaked left ankle suffered in a previous win over Los Angeles.

The Liberty, currently holding a 22-14 record, had entered the contest without Ionescu, with coaching staff opting for a precautionary approach. Despite a slow start, the Liberty rebounded strongly, leading 46-37 at halftime after a 19-point half from Jones. Connecticut, now 8-25, mounted a late comeback, trailing 63-62 early in the final period.

However, a clutch 3-pointer from Johannes set off a tenacious 10-2 run by the Liberty, sealing the victory. This marks Jones' last game in Connecticut, as the Sun are set to relocate to Houston next season. The Sun honored Jones' No. 35 jersey during the Liberty's previous visit, a gesture paying tribute to her six-year tenure with the team.

Jones, a 2021 WNBA MVP, had to sit out that game due to illness. The Sun, missing key players Brittney Griner (left knee issue) and Aaliyah Edwards (left ankle injury), relied heavily on Olivia Nelson-Ododa, who delivered 21 points and 10 rebounds in a losing effort. The Liberty will next face the Chicago Sky on Tuesday, while the Sun will host the Los Angeles Sparks in Boston.