Sabrina Ionescu leads New York Liberty in gritty comeback over Atlanta Dream

In a thrilling basketball matchup on June 17, 2025, in the United States, the New York Liberty staged an impressive comeback to defeat the Atlanta Dream 86-81. The game saw Sabrina Ionescu, star player of the Liberty, matching her season-high with 34 points. Despite trailing by 17 points at one stage in the third quarter, New York rallied back, overcoming their first loss of the season to the Indiana Fever just days prior. Ionescu's contribution included 20 points in the first half alone, showcasing her ability to take charge during critical moments of the game. The Liberty’s coach, Sandy Brondello, reflected on the initial struggles of the team, stating that they lacked toughness and urgency in the first half. However, after regrouping, the team demonstrated resilience and a newfound energy in the second half, ultimately executing a strategic turnaround. Alongside Ionescu's stellar performance, Breanna Stewart added 11 points, contributing to the team's overall success. This victory also had significance in the context of the Commissioner’s Cup as it kept the Liberty in contention against their rivals. On the other side of the court, despite the Dream's strong start to the game and being one of the league's improved teams this season, they faced difficulties maintaining their lead. Atlanta's rookie guard, Te-Hina Paopao, led her team with 16 points, while Allisha Gray, Brionna Jones, and Rhyne Howard also added to the scoreline. However, the inability to retain their lead in the second half proved costly, as the Liberty exploited every opportunity to regain control of the game. The match not only highlights the ongoing improvement and competitiveness within the WNBA but also indicates the pressure on the Dream, who needed to secure a victory to maintain their standing in the Commissioner’s Cup tournament. The Liberty’s triumph over the Dream on Tuesday pushed them to a total of ten wins this season, positioning them favorably as the league progresses towards the playoffs. This comeback victory serves as a significant morale booster for New York, showcasing their ability to adapt and thrive under adversity, especially as they look to solidify their position in the highly competitive WNBA landscape as the season unfolds.