The New York Liberty edged the Chicago Sky 95-94 in a pulsating WNBA contest on July 23, 2026, at Barclays Center. A last-second basket sealed the victory in a game that featured 12 lead changes and showcased the star power of both rosters. The Liberty improved their standing in the fiercely competitive Eastern Conference, while the Sky walked away with a painful one-point loss that could have implications for playoff seeding.

Match Overview

From the opening tip, both teams traded blows in a high-tempo affair. The Liberty’s potent offense leaned on perimeter shooting and crisp ball movement, while the Sky countered with relentless drives to the rim and second-chance points. The first half ended with Chicago holding a slender 48-46 lead, setting the stage for a dramatic second half.

Key Moments

• Fourth‑quarter surge – New York opened the final period with an 8‑2 run to seize a 78‑74 advantage, but Chicago answered with a 12‑4 burst of their own to regain the lead.
• Clutch shooting – With under 30 seconds left and the Sky up by one, Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu drained a step‑back three to put New York ahead 93‑91.
• Game‑winning play – Following a Chicago basket that tied the game at 94‑94 with five seconds remaining, the Liberty inbounded quickly. A back‑cut by forward Breanna Stewart led to an acrobatic layup that dropped through the net as the buzzer sounded, giving New York the 95‑94 victory.

Tactical Story

The Liberty found success by stretching Chicago’s defense with four‑out spacing, opening driving lanes for Stewart and Ionescu. Chicago responded by switching on every screen, but New York’s ability to create mismatches proved decisive. Defensively, the Liberty struggled to contain Sky guard Kahleah Copper, who scored 28 points, but they forced 16 turnovers that translated into 20 fast‑break points.

Standout Players

• Breanna Stewart (New York) – 31 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists. The MVP candidate was unstoppable in the paint and hit the game‑winner.
• Sabrina Ionescu (New York) – 22 points, 8 assists, 6 rebounds. Her clutch three‑pointer in the final minute kept the Liberty alive.
• Kahleah Copper (Chicago) – 28 points, 7 rebounds. She carried the Sky offense and nearly willed her team to an upset win.
• Elizabeth Williams (Chicago) – 14 points, 12 rebounds, 3 blocks. Her presence inside gave the Liberty fits all night.

Season Impact

The victory improved the Liberty’s record to 18‑8, keeping them within striking distance of the top seed in the Eastern Conference. For Chicago, the loss dropped them to 14‑12, but they remain entrenched in the playoff race. Both teams are expected to meet again in the postseason, and this thriller only added to the growing rivalry between the two powerhouse franchises.