New York Liberty Edges Chicago Sky in Thrilling Finish
Wednesday, July 22, 2026, 7:00 PM ET · Barclays Center
New York Liberty 95, Chicago Sky 94, final. Our WNBA picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Chicago Sky vs New York Liberty?
New York Liberty beat Chicago Sky 95-94 at Barclays Center on July 22, 2026.
Who was favored in Chicago Sky vs New York Liberty?
New York Liberty were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -342 (about 77% implied). The favorite won.
In a nail-biting contest at Barclays Center, the New York Liberty narrowly defeated the Chicago Sky with a final score of 95-94. This victory not only showcases the Liberty's resilience but also highlights their dominance in the series, as they have now won three out of four meetings against the Sky this season.
The Liberty entered the game with a record of 15-12, while the Sky struggled with a 9-18 record. In their last ten games, New York had a record of 3-6-1, but they managed to secure a win in their most recent outing against the Dallas Wings, winning 99-98. The Liberty's scoring average over those ten games was 78.7 points, while they allowed an average of 82.3 points. At home, they have performed slightly better, with a home record of 2-1 in their last three games.
On the other hand, Chicago had a more balanced recent form, going 5-5 in their last ten games, but they faced a setback with a loss to the Atlanta Dream in their latest match, falling 91-93. The Sky's scoring average during this stretch was notably higher at 95.1 points, while they allowed an average of 90.6 points. However, their away record has been poor, with just one win in their last five games.
In terms of head-to-head matchups, the Liberty have had the upper hand recently, winning four out of the last five encounters. Their previous meetings this season included a close 96-95 victory for New York on June 18, showcasing the competitive nature of these matchups.
Injury concerns affected both teams heading into this game. The Liberty were without Satou Sabally due to a concussion. The Sky faced even more challenges, missing key players Skylar Diggins (knee), DiJonai Carrington (foot), and Rickea Jackson (knee), which significantly impacted their depth and performance.
The market reflected the Liberty's status as favorites, with DraftKings setting the odds at New York -8.5, indicating a strong belief in their ability to win comfortably. The total for the game was set at 178.5, with the over odds at -114.0 and under odds at -106.0. The money line showed New York at -342.0, while Chicago was at 267.0, further emphasizing the Liberty's favored position.
Game conditions were optimal for basketball, with both teams ready to make an impact. As the game unfolded, the fourth quarter proved to be a dramatic affair. The Sky held a slight lead, with Sydney Taylor making crucial free throws to put Chicago ahead 93-85. However, Sabrina Ionescu of the Liberty responded with back-to-back three-pointers, narrowing the gap to 93-91. The tension escalated as Courtney Vandersloot added a free throw for Chicago, making it 94-91.
In a thrilling finish, Ionescu continued to shine, scoring a two-point shot to bring the score to 94-93. She then converted a free throw to tie the game at 94-94. The decisive moment came when Jonquel Jones made a free throw, sealing the game for New York at 95-94.
Fans witnessed a high-stakes battle that showcased the talent and determination of both teams, with the Liberty ultimately claiming victory in a closely contested matchup.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | NY -8.5 | 178.5 o -114 / u -106 | Chicago Sky +267 · New York Liberty -342 |
Injury report
- Satou SaballyOutConcussionNew York Liberty
- Skylar DigginsOutKneeChicago Sky
- DiJonai CarringtonOutFootChicago Sky
- Rickea JacksonOutKneeChicago Sky
Leaders
- PointsSabrina Ionescu29New York Liberty
- AssistsPauline Astier5New York Liberty
- ReboundsJonquel Jones10New York Liberty
- PointsSydney Taylor31Chicago Sky
- AssistsNatasha Cloud7Chicago Sky
- ReboundsAzura Stevens7Chicago Sky
Recent form
New York Liberty
Last 10: 3-6-1Streak W178.7 scored · 82.3 allowed per game2-1 at home
- W99-98at Dallas WingsJul 21
- L88-108at Indiana FeverJul 19
- D0-0at Dallas WingsJul 17
- L91-93at Toronto TempoJul 12
- L85-90at Minnesota LynxJul 11
- L77-88vs Dallas WingsJul 8
- W99-86vs Minnesota LynxJul 3
- W93-85vs Las Vegas AcesJun 30
- L67-76at Golden State ValkyriesJun 28
- L88-99at Seattle StormJun 26
Chicago Sky
Last 10: 5-5Streak L195.1 scored · 90.6 allowed per game1-4 away
- L91-93at Atlanta DreamJul 19
- W96-82vs Los Angeles SparksJul 17
- W95-90vs Seattle StormJul 15
- L91-96at Dallas WingsJul 12
- L87-102at Los Angeles SparksJul 11
- W77-66at Phoenix MercuryJul 8
- L90-98at Las Vegas AcesJul 4
- L99-107vs Las Vegas AcesJun 28
- W124-94vs Portland FireJun 26
- W101-78vs Portland FireJun 25
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta | - | 14 | W1 | .650 | 26 |
| Indiana | - | 14 | W2 | .650 | 26 |
| New York | 2 | 16 | W1 | .600 | 24 |
| Washington | 2 | 16 | L1 | .600 | 24 |
| Chicago | 11 | 25 | L3 | .375 | 15 |
| Toronto | 15 | 29 | L4 | .275 | 11 |
| Connecticut | 16 | 30 | L3 | .250 | 10 |
Box score
| Stat | Chicago Sky | New York Liberty |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 34-71 | 29-71 |
| Field goal % | 48 | 41 |
| Three-pointers | 7-21 | 11-28 |
| Three-point % | 33 | 39 |
| Free throws | 19-21 | 26-28 |
| Free throw % | 90 | 93 |
| Rebounds | 30 | 37 |
| Offensive rebounds | 4 | 10 |
| Defensive rebounds | 26 | 27 |
| Assists | 27 | 17 |
| Steals | 8 | 1 |
| Blocks | 6 | 6 |
| Turnovers | 9 | 13 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 2 | 1 |
| Technical fouls, total | 2 | 1 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 16 | 16 |
| Fast-break points | 14 | 7 |
| Points in the paint | 42 | 34 |
| Fouls | 20 | 16 |
| Largest lead | 12 | 5 |
| Lead changes | 10 | 10 |
| Time in front | 80 | 14 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter58-60Pauline Astier makes free throw 1 of 1
- 3rd Quarter60-60Jacy Sheldon makes 2-foot driving floating jump shot (Elizabeth Williams assists)
- 3rd Quarter60-63Jonquel Jones makes 26-foot three point jumper (Sabrina Ionescu assists)
- 3rd Quarter63-63Natasha Cloud makes 27-foot three pointer
- 3rd Quarter65-63Elizabeth Williams makes 6-foot turnaround jump shot
- 3rd Quarter65-64Breanna Stewart makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter65-65Breanna Stewart makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter66-65Courtney Vandersloot makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter67-65Courtney Vandersloot makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter67-67Han Xu makes 8-foot two point shot (Sabrina Ionescu assists)
- 3rd Quarter67-68Han Xu makes free throw 1 of 1
- 3rd Quarter69-68Elizabeth Williams makes layup (Courtney Vandersloot assists)
- 3rd Quarter71-68Aicha Coulibaly makes 2-foot layup (Jacy Sheldon assists)
- 3rd Quarter71-69Sabrina Ionescu makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter71-70Sabrina Ionescu makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter73-70Aicha Coulibaly makes two point shot (Natasha Cloud assists)
- 4th Quarter73-71Rebekah Gardner makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter73-72Rebekah Gardner makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter76-72Gabriela Jaquez makes 22-foot three point jumper (Sydney Taylor assists)
- 4th Quarter79-72Sydney Taylor makes 26-foot running jump shot (Natasha Cloud assists)
- 4th Quarter81-72Kamilla Cardoso makes layup (Sydney Taylor assists)
- 4th Quarter84-72Sydney Taylor makes 25-foot three point step back jumpshot (Natasha Cloud assists)
- 4th Quarter84-74Breanna Stewart makes 13-foot running pullup jump shot (Pauline Astier assists)
- 4th Quarter84-77Jonquel Jones makes 26-foot three point jumper (Breanna Stewart assists)
- 4th Quarter84-80Sabrina Ionescu makes 24-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 4th Quarter84-81Sabrina Ionescu makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter86-81Natasha Cloud makes 18-foot pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter86-83Pauline Astier makes 5-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter86-85Breanna Stewart makes running layup (Pauline Astier assists)
- 4th Quarter88-85Kamilla Cardoso makes 2-foot layup (Courtney Vandersloot assists)
- 4th Quarter89-85Sydney Taylor makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter91-85Courtney Vandersloot makes 12-foot pullup jump shot (Kamilla Cardoso assists)
- 4th Quarter92-85Sydney Taylor makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter93-85Sydney Taylor makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter93-88Sabrina Ionescu makes 23-foot three pointer (Pauline Astier assists)
- 4th Quarter93-91Sabrina Ionescu makes 26-foot three pointer (Breanna Stewart assists)
- 4th Quarter94-91Courtney Vandersloot makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter94-93Sabrina Ionescu makes 2-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter94-94Sabrina Ionescu makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter94-95Jonquel Jones makes free throw 1 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours New York Liberty, below favours Chicago Sky.
Venue
- Barclays CenterBrooklyn, NY
- Attendance16783
- OfficialsAngelica Suffren, Maj Forsberg, Josh Reed
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