New York Liberty defeat Indiana Fever 109-102 in sold-out Barclays Center
The Liberty held off a late surge by the Fever to win 109-102 on Saturday, improving their playoff positioning and snapping a two-game losing streak against Indiana.
The New York Liberty beat the Indiana Fever 109-102 on Saturday night in front of a sold-out crowd at the Barclays Center. The victory, televised nationally, helped the Liberty maintain a tight race for playoff seeding and marked their first win over the Fever after losing the previous two meetings.
Liberty forward Rebecca Allen said the win was “big, especially for us as a group,” adding that it felt like a statement for the team. Center Jonquel Jones, who posted 19 points and 10 rebounds, noted the effort was “good to get it tonight” and highlighted the team’s ability to set the tone after challenging prior matchups.
The game remained competitive throughout, with the Liberty leading most of the second half. A 7-0 run by the Fever in the fourth quarter trimmed the lead to a single point with just over four minutes remaining. A subsequent steal by Sophie Cunningham and a three-pointer from Kelsey Mitchell tied the game at 100 with under two minutes left, but the Liberty regained the advantage and held on for the win.
Both teams drew enthusiastic fans, including several who traveled long distances to see star guard Caitlin Clark. Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu, who scored 12 points, said the home crowd’s cheers “overpowered” those of the visiting fans.
The win restores confidence for a Liberty squad that had been near full strength after injuries, and it positions them to continue challenging the league’s top contenders.