The Liberty, with new coach Chris DeMarco, had a triumphant start to the season against the Connecticut Sun on Friday night, despite injuries to key players and a strong performance by star point guard Breanna Stewart.
With 16 seconds left, Barclays Center crowd rose to its feet. White rally towels that resemble the Liberty’s original uniforms from 30 years ago waved throughout the stands.
The fans didn’t stop cheering until the final buzzer sounded. The Liberty opened the Chris DeMarco era with a resounding 106-75 victory over the Connecticut Sun on Friday night. The Liberty spent most of training camp trying to temper early-season expectations. After all, New York had a new coach and several new players, including marquee free agent signing Satou Sabally.
DeMarco, the new coach, totally overhauled the Liberty’s lackluster offense and worked to reignite the defensive intensity that was a trademark of the 2024 title team. They said they weren’t trying to win May but rather wanted to incrementally build over the course of the season.
But the Liberty — despite missing five players, including starters Sabrina Ionescu and Sabally — came out and dominated from the jump.2026 WNBA season tips off with Sun vs. Liberty — How to watch for freeBreanna Stewart had said since she arrived at training camp last month that she felt like herself again. On Friday, she showed it. Stewart notched the first double-double of the season with a game-high 31 points on 10-of-17 shooting and grabbed 10 rebounds.
She also had three blocks. Three other starters finished in double-figure scoring, including Marine Johannes, who added 17 points and went 5-for-9 from deep. Julie Vanloo, whom the Liberty signed to a hardship contract Friday morning, offered a surprise boost off the bench, finishing with 12 points, seven rebounds and 11 assists. New York poured in another 30 points over the next 10 minutes to take a 66-37 lead into halftime.
The Sun tightened up defensively in the second half, and the game got chippy at times. But the Liberty ultimately overwhelmed Connecticut. Scott FontanaStream It Or Skip It: ‘Remarkably Bright Creatures’ on Netflix, a Warm, Light Dramedy About Sally Field and Her Octopus Bestie
Basketball Women's Leagues Liberty Team History Chris Demarco Chrono Breanna Stewart Julie Vanloo Connecticut Sun
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