As the WNBA moves toward expansion, with the Golden State Valkyries debuting next season and franchises in Toronto and Portland coming in 2026, the New York Liberty are the only remaining original franchise not to have won a WNBA championship. The team took one step closer on correcting this Tuesday night with a 91-82 victory over the Atlanta Dream at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, sweeping its series with the Atlanta Dream 2–0.
The Liberty will take on the Las Vegas Aces, the two-time defending league champions, in a semifinals matchup. The Aces defeated the Seattle Storm 2-0. Game 1 of the Liberty-Aces series will be Sunday at the Barclays.
Liberty point guard Sabrina Ionescu owned Game 2 versus the Dream, scoring 36 points in addition to netting nine assists and three steals. Jonquel Jones also put her imprint on the win with 20 points and 13 rebounds.
“Honestly, it’s just doing whatever it takes to win,” said Ionescu. “Understanding I’m capable of scoring, but knowing that getting my teammates open and good looks is a huge part of what I do and pride myself on. … Just continuing to kind of take what the defense gives me while also being assertive and shooting the ball with confidence.”
In Game 1 on Sunday, Liberty forward Leonie Fiebich, in her first year with the team, continued her stellar play after earning a spot in the starting lineup mid-season, scoring a game-high 21 points. Breanna Stewart had 20 points and 11 rebounds, Sabrina Ionescu 17 points, five rebounds and five assists, and Betnijah Laney-Hamilton 10 points and five assists.
The Liberty wrapped regular season play last Thursday with a loss to the Dream. Everything was on the line for the Dream, who were determined to secure the eighth spot in the WNBA playoffs. That night also marked a homecoming for Queens native Tina Charles, who joined the Dream this season. With 10 boards in the 78–67 win, Charles passed Sylvia Fowles to become the WNBA’s all-time leading rebounder. It was also a day in which Charles was inducted into the New York City Basketball Hall of Fame.
Postseason honors are starting to be announced. The 2024 WNBA Peak Performer Awards went to A’ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces (points), Angel Reese of the Chicago Sky (rebounds) and Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever (assists). Wilson was named 2024 Kia WNBA Most Valuable Player, her third MVP honor since joining the league in 2018.