Liberty 85 - Sky 66 (8/29/2026): Han Xu Dominates With 19 Points

The New York Liberty hosted the Chicago Sky at the Barclays Center on a sunny Saturday afternoon, where the home team secured a convincing 85–66 victory. The Liberty's strong start and consistent performance throughout the game ensured they maintained control over the Sky. This win boosts New York's record to 24-16, while Chicago drops to 15-25 for the season.

New York set the tone early, leading by ten points at the end of the first quarter with a score of 21-11. Chicago struggled to match the Liberty's energy and efficiency, as their shooting percentage faltered. The Sky managed to gain some ground in the second quarter, but still found themselves trailing 42-28 at halftime.

Liberty's Dominance

In the third quarter, New York continued to exert their dominance on both ends of the court. The Liberty's defensive prowess limited the Sky to just 15 points during this period, while they added 18 to their own tally. With a comfortable lead heading into the final quarter, New York was poised to close out the game.

Han Xu emerged as a standout performer for the Liberty, contributing 19 points and 5 rebounds. Her efficiency from the field, shooting 6 of 8, was instrumental in New York's offensive success. Meanwhile, Breanna Stewart anchored the team with 13 points and 9 rebounds, showcasing her versatility and leadership on the court.

The Liberty's success was also attributed to their superior three-point shooting, hitting 11 of their 27 attempts, compared to Chicago's 4 of 18. This shooting advantage widened the gap and alleviated pressure from the inside game.

Sky's Struggles

For Chicago, Natasha Cloud offered a bright spot with 14 points, making 6 of her 8 field goal attempts. However, the Sky's overall shooting performance was underwhelming, as they shot only 37.9% from the field. Their three-point shooting woes and a lack of offensive rebounds limited their second-chance opportunities.

Kamilla Cardoso chipped in 9 points and 4 rebounds, but the Sky could not overcome their shooting deficiencies. Despite an improved performance in the fourth quarter, where they scored 23 points, it wasn't enough to close the gap New York had built.

Chicago also struggled from the free-throw line, converting only 66.7% of their 18 attempts. In contrast, the Liberty were sharp from the stripe, making 20 of their 22 free throws, which added to their scoring margin.

Looking Ahead

Next on the schedule for the Chicago Sky is a home game against the Washington Mystics on September 17. Chicago will be looking to rebound from this loss and improve their standing in the Eastern Conference. With only a few games left in the season, each contest takes on increased importance for the Sky.

Meanwhile, the Liberty will travel to face the Minnesota Lynx on September 18. The victory against Chicago gives New York momentum as they look to solidify their playoff positioning in the East. Coach and players alike will aim to replicate the balanced attack and defensive intensity displayed against the Sky.

This game was a testament to New York's ability to execute their game plan effectively, building a lead and maintaining it through disciplined play. With the regular season winding down, the Liberty will aim to carry this form into the postseason.