Liberty Storm Back to Beat Dream
The New York Liberty mounted an incredible comeback on Tuesday night, erasing a 17-point deficit in the fourth quarter to beat the Atlanta Dream 86-81 in an insane finish. Sabrina Ionescu was the star of the night, leading all scorers with 34 points and sparking a furious rally that saw New York outscore Atlanta 26-13 in the final frame. Breanna Stewart also made a huge impact, adding 23 points and grabbing six rebounds, while Jonquel Jones made a much-anticipated return from injury, contributing a valuable double-double that energized the team. This victory was a crucial one for the Liberty, helping them bounce back from a tough loss against Indiana and reestablishing their momentum at a pivotal moment in the season.
The Liberty’s comeback was built on a dramatic shift in defensive intensity. For much of the first three quarters, New York struggled to contain Atlanta’s transition game, allowing far too many easy scoring opportunities. However, as the fourth quarter unfolded, the Liberty defense tightened significantly and forced Atlanta into difficult shots. This defensive adjustment laid the foundation for their late surge. On the offensive side, the Liberty showed patience and confidence in their system, sticking to their sets without rushing. Then, Ionescu caught fire, knocking down shot after shot during a critical stretch that swung momentum entirely in New York’s favor. Breanna Stewart’s control of the paint combined with the team’s championship experience helped steady the squad, allowing them to execute flawlessly and close out the game under pressure.
Looking ahead, the Liberty will aim to capitalize on this momentum as they face a challenging slate of upcoming games against the Mercury, Storm, and Valkyries. With Jonquel Jones gradually working her way back into the rotation and Sabrina Ionescu playing at a career-high level, New York is currently one of the league’s most formidable teams. Their depth and playoff experience give them a distinct advantage in tight, high-pressure moments. For Atlanta, the loss is disappointing not just because of the blown lead but because it underscores how close they are to competing with the league’s elite. The Dream will need to regroup quickly, improve their late-game execution, and find ways to close out winnable games as they return home to face the Mystics and Sky in the coming weeks.
