Chicago, IL – The New York Liberty sent a resounding message to the rest of the WNBA on Thursday night with a dominant 99–74 victory over the Chicago Sky at Wintrust Arena. In their first road game of the 2025 season, the Liberty not only improved to 2–0 but also set a new WNBA regular-season record by connecting on 19 three-pointers. This emphatic win reinforced New York’s position as a title contender and demonstrated the team’s remarkable balance between perimeter shooting and defensive intensity.
The Liberty were led by Natasha Cloud, who orchestrated the offense with poise and precision, finishing with 18 points and eight assists. Acquired during the offseason, Cloud’s impact was immediate and far-reaching. She controlled the tempo, created open looks for teammates, and punished the Sky’s defense with her efficient shooting. Kennedy Burke provided a significant lift off the bench, contributing 17 points and hitting multiple threes that deflated any hopes of a Sky comeback. In total, eight Liberty players made at least one three-pointer, showcasing New York’s unselfish ball movement and depth.
The Liberty shot 55.9 percent from beyond the arc, highlighting their lethal perimeter game. Their 19 made threes broke the previous WNBA record for most three-pointers in a regular-season game, a feat that underscores their offensive evolution under head coach Sandy Brondello. The team’s execution on both ends of the floor set them apart from their opponent and reflected a cohesive unit built for deep postseason contention.
Defensively, New York was just as impressive. The Liberty forced 23 turnovers, using full-court pressure and intelligent switching to disrupt the Sky’s offensive flow. While the Liberty committed 20 turnovers themselves, their ability to convert defensive stops into fast-break opportunities allowed them to maintain control of the game throughout. Brondello praised her team’s physicality and discipline, noting their commitment to playing both ends of the court with purpose and aggression.
For the Chicago Sky, the night was a reminder of the challenges that come with rebuilding. Under the leadership of first-year head coach Tyler Marsh, the Sky are navigating a transitional phase that includes integrating rookies Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso into the lineup. Reese showed flashes of her potential but struggled to find rhythm against the Liberty’s aggressive defense. Her frustration boiled over in the third quarter when she was issued a technical foul, further tilting momentum in New York’s favor. Cardoso had moments of promise in the paint but was largely neutralized by the interior presence of Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones.
The Sky’s youth and inexperience were evident in their lack of composure and inability to adjust to the Liberty’s intensity. The team’s 23 turnovers and poor transition defense allowed New York to build a comfortable lead, which they maintained with clinical efficiency in the final quarter.
This victory marks an early-season benchmark for the Liberty, who appear even more formidable than last season. With elite-level shooting, a deep bench, and a defense capable of shutting down elite scorers, New York is positioning itself as the team to beat in the 2025 WNBA campaign. The win in Chicago was not just a record-setting performance but a statement of intent. The Liberty have arrived, and they are playing with a clear mission.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on how the Liberty build on this momentum. If Thursday night’s performance is any indication, New York may not just be aiming for playoff success—they may be chasing history.
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