Chicago Sky Defeats New York Liberty 93-86 in Thrilling Finish
Tuesday, August 18, 2026, 9:00 PM ET · Wintrust Arena
Chicago Sky 93, New York Liberty 86, 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 New York Liberty vs Chicago Sky?
Chicago Sky beat New York Liberty 93-86 at Wintrust Arena on August 18, 2026.
Who was favored in New York Liberty vs Chicago Sky?
New York Liberty were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -198 (about 66% implied). The underdog won.
In a closely contested matchup, the Chicago Sky triumphed over the New York Liberty with a final score of 93-86 at Wintrust Arena. This victory not only marked a significant win for the Sky but also snapped a streak of losses against the Liberty, who had previously dominated the series with a record of 3-1 this season. Chicago's performance was particularly notable given their recent struggles, as they have been dealing with injuries to key players.
The Chicago Sky entered the game with a record of 14-22, having gone 4-6 in their last ten games. They were on a one-game winning streak, having defeated the Seattle Storm 82-80 just days prior. On average, the Sky scored 88.6 points while allowing 91.1 points in their last ten games. Their home record stood at 3-2 in that stretch, showcasing a slightly better performance at Wintrust Arena compared to their away games, where they recorded just one win and four losses.
In contrast, the New York Liberty came into this game with a strong record of 22-15, having won eight of their last ten games and currently riding a two-game winning streak. The Liberty averaged 95.8 points scored and allowed 90.1 points during their recent stretch. Their away record was 3-2, indicating a solid performance on the road, but they had suffered a narrow defeat to the Sky earlier in the season, losing 94-95 on July 22.
In terms of injuries, the Sky were significantly affected, missing Skylar Diggins, DiJonai Carrington, and Rickea Jackson, all of whom were out due to various injuries. The Liberty also faced a setback with Satou Sabally out due to a concussion, impacting their lineup. Despite these challenges, both teams showcased their depth and resilience throughout the game.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had the Liberty favored by 4.5 points, with a total set at 180.5. The odds reflected the Liberty's strong season performance, but the Sky’s home advantage and recent form made for an intriguing matchup.
Conditions at Wintrust Arena were conducive to an exciting game, and the atmosphere was electric as fans witnessed a back-and-forth battle. The Sky managed to pull ahead in the final moments, with Natasha Cloud playing a crucial role in the victory. Cloud's performance included key scoring plays in the fourth quarter, where she made several free throws and assisted on a driving layup by Kamilla Cardoso.
As the game progressed, the tension mounted, with the score tied at various points and both teams exchanging leads. The Sky's ability to capitalize on free throws in the closing minutes proved decisive, allowing them to maintain a slim lead against the Liberty. The final scoring plays included Cloud's contributions that ultimately sealed the game for Chicago.
This victory not only boosts the Sky's morale but also serves as a reminder of their potential, even in the face of adversity. The Liberty, while still a formidable team, will need to regroup and address their recent shortcomings against Chicago as they prepare for their next matchup.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | NY -4.5 | 180.5 o -108 / u -112 | New York Liberty -198 · Chicago Sky +164 |
Injury report
- Skylar DigginsOutKneeChicago Sky
- DiJonai CarringtonOutFootChicago Sky
- Rickea JacksonOutKneeChicago Sky
- Satou SaballyOutConcussionNew York Liberty
Leaders
- PointsNatasha Cloud35Chicago Sky
- AssistsNatasha Cloud6Chicago Sky
- ReboundsKamilla Cardoso12Chicago Sky
- PointsBreanna Stewart22New York Liberty
- AssistsSabrina Ionescu12New York Liberty
- ReboundsBreanna Stewart7New York Liberty
Recent form
Chicago Sky
Last 10: 4-6Streak W188.6 scored · 91.1 allowed per game3-2 at home
- W82-80at Seattle StormAug 16
- L71-91at Golden State ValkyriesAug 13
- L88-97at Seattle StormAug 11
- L86-90vs Indiana FeverAug 8
- W95-88vs Los Angeles SparksAug 6
- L101-106vs Phoenix MercuryAug 4
- W84-83vs Las Vegas AcesAug 1
- W94-88vs Connecticut SunJul 31
- L94-95at New York LibertyJul 22
- L91-93at Atlanta DreamJul 19
New York Liberty
Last 10: 8-2Streak W295.8 scored · 90.1 allowed per game3-2 away
- W82-75at Connecticut SunAug 15
- W85-81vs Los Angeles SparksAug 14
- L92-106at Indiana FeverAug 11
- W111-71vs Las Vegas AcesAug 9
- W92-86vs Seattle StormAug 5
- W95-83vs Seattle StormAug 3
- W94-92at Phoenix MercuryAug 1
- L99-104at Las Vegas AcesJul 31
- W113-109at Los Angeles SparksJul 29
- W95-94vs Chicago SkyJul 22
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 | New York Liberty | Chicago Sky |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 33-72 | 35-79 |
| Field goal % | 46 | 44 |
| Three-pointers | 9-36 | 7-28 |
| Three-point % | 25 | 25 |
| Free throws | 11-13 | 16-22 |
| Free throw % | 85 | 73 |
| Rebounds | 35 | 44 |
| Offensive rebounds | 7 | 14 |
| Defensive rebounds | 28 | 30 |
| Assists | 24 | 24 |
| Steals | 7 | 8 |
| Blocks | 4 | 2 |
| Turnovers | 15 | 13 |
| Team turnovers | 2 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 1 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 16 | 11 |
| Fast-break points | 15 | 12 |
| Points in the paint | 46 | 48 |
| Fouls | 18 | 15 |
| Largest lead | 6 | 13 |
| Lead changes | 11 | 11 |
| Time in front | 12 | 77 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter51-59Rebecca Allen makes 22-foot three point jumper (Sabrina Ionescu assists)
- 3rd Quarter51-61Azura Stevens makes driving layup (Courtney Vandersloot assists)
- 3rd Quarter52-61Sabrina Ionescu makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter53-61Sabrina Ionescu makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter56-61Rebecca Allen makes 24-foot running jump shot (Breanna Stewart assists)
- 3rd Quarter56-62Kamilla Cardoso makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter56-64Natasha Cloud makes driving layup
- 3rd Quarter56-67Sydney Taylor makes 22-foot three point jumper (Natasha Cloud assists)
- 3rd Quarter57-67Breanna Stewart makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter58-67Breanna Stewart makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter60-67Sabrina Ionescu makes running layup
- 3rd Quarter60-69Kamilla Cardoso makes two point shot
- 3rd Quarter60-70Kamilla Cardoso makes free throw 1 of 1
- 3rd Quarter62-70Sabrina Ionescu makes driving layup
- 3rd Quarter62-72Sydney Taylor makes 1-foot reverse layup (Natasha Cloud assists)
- 3rd Quarter64-72Breanna Stewart makes 2-foot driving floating jump shot (Sabrina Ionescu assists)
- 3rd Quarter64-74Natasha Cloud makes 12-foot pullup jump shot (Rachel Banham assists)
- 3rd Quarter66-74Breanna Stewart makes 9-foot driving floating jump shot (Sabrina Ionescu assists)
- 4th Quarter68-74Han Xu makes 5-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter70-74Rebecca Allen makes layup (Sabrina Ionescu assists)
- 4th Quarter72-74Rebecca Allen makes driving layup (Breanna Stewart assists)
- 4th Quarter72-76Natasha Cloud makes 4-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter75-76Sabrina Ionescu makes 23-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 4th Quarter75-79Rachel Banham makes 24-foot three point jumper (Azura Stevens assists)
- 4th Quarter78-79Breanna Stewart makes 23-foot three point jumper (Marine Fauthoux assists)
- 4th Quarter78-81Kamilla Cardoso makes layup (Natasha Cloud assists)
- 4th Quarter79-81Breanna Stewart makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter80-81Breanna Stewart makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter80-83Natasha Cloud makes 12-foot pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter81-83Rebecca Allen makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter84-83Marine Johannes makes 23-foot running pullup jump shot (Sabrina Ionescu assists)
- 4th Quarter84-84Natasha Cloud makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter84-86Natasha Cloud makes 20-foot pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter84-88Kamilla Cardoso makes driving layup (Natasha Cloud assists)
- 4th Quarter84-89Natasha Cloud makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter84-90Natasha Cloud makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter84-91Natasha Cloud makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter84-92Natasha Cloud makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter86-92Breanna Stewart makes 6-foot two point shot (Sabrina Ionescu assists)
- 4th Quarter86-93Courtney Vandersloot makes free throw 1 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Chicago Sky, below favours New York Liberty.
Venue
- Wintrust ArenaChicago, IL
- Attendance7099
- OfficialsIsaac Barnett, Agon Abazi, Ashley Gloss
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