MONTREAL — The New York Liberty’s inability to maintain consistent early-game momentum underscored their narrow 93-91 defeat to the Toronto Tempo Sunday, despite standout fourth-quarter performances from Sabrina Ionescu and Breanna Stewart.
While Stewart exploded for 18 of her 22 points in the second half and Ionescu contributed 12 of her season-high 28 points in the final quarter, the team’s persistent early-game deficits proved too daunting to overcome. New York entered the game trailing by as much as 15 points and managed to erase most of that deficit but ultimately fell short.
The Liberty’s inconsistency was stark, having trailed by 13 or more points in five of their last seven games with a dismal 0-5 record in those scenarios. Stephanie Stewart, addressing the recurring struggles, could not pinpoint a specific cause for the team’s recurring disadvantages.
“We need to take control earlier,” said rookie Pauline Astier, advocating for a more assertive first-half approach. “If we play 100 percent of the game, we’ll build confidence that carries into critical moments like late-game execution.” Astier emphasized that consistent performance across all 40 minutes could prevent reliance on fourth-quarter heroics.
The Liberty’s 5-6 record in clutch moments this season—tied for 10th among 15 teams—highlights the need for urgent adjustment. A contentious ejection of Betnijah Laney-Hamilton, who accidentally struck a teammate with a thrown shoe, further disrupted their flow.
