Jonquel Jones, Sabrina Ionescu Lead Liberty Past Fever \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ The New York Liberty edged the Indiana Fever 90-88, led by Jonquel Jones’ double-double and Sabrina Ionescu’s clutch free throws. Caitlin Clark had a triple-double but also 10 turnovers in a high-energy finish. The Fever blew a 12-point fourth-quarter lead as the Liberty rallied late.
Quick Looks
- Jonquel Jones posted 26 points, 12 rebounds in win
- Sabrina Ionescu sank game-winning free throws with 2.9 seconds left
- Caitlin Clark recorded triple-double: 18 pts, 10 assists, 10 turnovers
- Clark hit a buzzer-beater and four-point play in third
- Natasha Cloud stripped Clark on final play to seal victory
- Aliyah Boston led Indiana with 27 points, 13 rebounds
- Liberty erased a 12-point fourth-quarter deficit
- Fever coach criticized free throw disparity after the game
Deep Look
Saturday’s clash between the New York Liberty and Indiana Fever was more than just an early-season WNBA game—it was a high-drama showcase of elite veteran leadership, rising star power, and a bubbling rivalry in the making. With a fierce fourth-quarter comeback, the Liberty escaped with a 90-88 win, handing the Fever a heartbreaking loss despite a triple-double performance from rookie phenom Caitlin Clark.
Liberty’s Veteran Trio Shines in Crunch Time
New York’s experienced core stepped up when it mattered most. Jonquel Jones dominated both ends of the floor with 26 points and 12 rebounds, anchoring the Liberty inside. Breanna Stewart chipped in with 16 points, providing her signature all-around impact, and Sabrina Ionescu was the closer—finishing with 23 points and sinking the game-winning free throws with just 2.9 seconds on the clock.
The Liberty trailed by 12 with under nine minutes remaining, but a 14-2 scoring run—fueled by consecutive three-pointers from Jones and strong defensive rotations—swung the momentum. The reigning Eastern Conference champs leaned on chemistry, poise, and postseason experience to erase the deficit and grab their third consecutive win to start the season.
Veteran guard Natasha Cloud was instrumental down the stretch. Though she finished with 16 points, her most crucial contribution came on the final possession, when she stripped the ball from Clark as she attempted a game-tying or game-winning move in the closing seconds. It was a play that perfectly symbolized New York’s composed execution.
Caitlin Clark’s Triple-Double: A Milestone with Caveats
Clark notched her first professional triple-double—18 points, 10 assists, and 10 turnovers—illustrating both her immense talent and ongoing adjustment to the pro game. While the numbers are historic (few WNBA rookies reach a triple-double so early), the 10 turnovers proved costly.
Clark’s night included spectacular moments: she broke a personal 0-for-12 slump from beyond the arc with a dramatic four-point play, followed by a deep 33-foot buzzer-beater to close the third quarter. That sequence briefly gave the Fever momentum, silencing critics and electrifying the arena.
Still, her inconsistency and turnovers—many coming on ambitious interior passes—left the Fever vulnerable to a late Liberty run. Clark’s final play, in which she was stripped by Cloud, raised questions about whether she was fouled. “I’ll have to look at the film,” Clark said postgame. But the moment was a lesson in late-game composure and defensive awareness at the next level.
Aliyah Boston Rebounds in a Big Way
After being limited to just four points in her previous outing against Atlanta, Aliyah Boston bounced back with authority. She led Indiana with 27 points and 13 rebounds, showcasing the interior dominance that made her the 2023 WNBA Rookie of the Year. Boston was a consistent outlet for Clark’s passes and punished Liberty defenders with physical finishes in the paint.
Kelsey Mitchell and Lexie Hull—starting in place of DeWanna Bonner—added 15 points each, giving Indiana strong scoring depth. The Fever, now 2-2, looked cohesive through three quarters, with sharp ball movement, confident shot selection, and a willingness to push the tempo.
Coaching Frustration and Officiating Scrutiny
The ending sparked postgame controversy, with Fever head coach Stephanie White openly criticizing the officiating and the consistent free throw disparity her team has faced through four games. “It’s pretty egregious,” she said. “I might be able to understand it if we were just chucking 3s. But we’re attacking the rim and the disrespect right now for our team has been pretty unbelievable.”
Her remarks reflect a growing frustration within the league about how high-profile rookies like Clark are being officiated—and how younger teams may be treated compared to veteran-heavy squads like New York. White’s comments may draw a fine, but they also ignite an important conversation about fairness, consistency, and league optics.
The Fever’s Blown Lead: Growing Pains or Missed Opportunity?
Up 80-68 in the fourth, Indiana seemed poised for a statement win. But lapses in defensive rotations and offensive stagnation allowed New York’s veterans to mount a comeback. The Fever had the Liberty on the ropes but failed to maintain composure—turning the ball over, settling for jumpers, and letting momentum slip away.
Despite the collapse, Indiana’s performance should still give fans reason for optimism. They pushed one of the league’s top contenders to the brink and flashed glimpses of what a Clark-Boston duo can become. Growth in the WNBA is measured in these learning moments—and this loss, though frustrating, may accelerate Indiana’s development.
Looking Ahead: Expansion and Rivalries
New York now returns home for a two-game series against the WNBA’s newest expansion team, Golden State. The Liberty will aim to extend their unbeaten start while testing their depth against a fresh opponent. The Fever, meanwhile, travel to Washington to take on the Mystics, looking to bounce back and avoid a two-game skid.
As the season progresses, the rivalry between Indiana and New York could blossom. With Clark’s rising stardom and the Liberty’s established elite status, matchups between the two already carry national attention and emotional stakes.
Saturday’s thriller may have ended with a Liberty win, but it marked something bigger: the evolution of the league, the emergence of a new generation, and the power of experience in high-pressure moments.
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