The New York Liberty delivered a historic performance on Thursday night, cruising to a 95-78 victory over the Connecticut Sun in a game that will be remembered for Sabrina Ionescu’s record-shattering night.

The 25-year-old guard, already one of the WNBA’s brightest stars, etched her name into the league’s history books by breaking three records: most triple-doubles in a season (7), most consecutive games with a triple-double (4), and most points in a single game by a Liberty player (39).

Her dominant all-around play, coupled with the Liberty’s suffocating defense, left the Sun reeling and cemented Ionescu’s status as a generational talent.

Ionescu’s record-breaking evening was a masterclass in versatility and competitive fire. She finished with 39 points, 12 assists, and 11 rebounds, becoming the first player in WNBA history to record a 30-point, 10-assist, 10-rebound game.

Her seventh triple-double of the season surpassed the previous single-season record held by Lisa Leslie (6 in 1999). The most impressive aspect of her performance was her ability to dominate despite constant double-teams and physical defense from the Sun. “Sabrina’s on another level right now,” said Liberty coach Alison Dixon. “She’s not just scoring—she’s controlling every facet of the game.”

The game was a showcase of Ionescu’s relentless drive. She hit 14 of her 23 shots, including 5 three-pointers, and drew 12 fouls, converting 10 of 11 free throws.

Her most iconic moment came with 3:12 remaining in the fourth quarter, when she stole the ball from Sun guard Marina Mabrey, coasted downcourt for a layup, and was fouled, completing a three-point play that extended New York’s lead to 20.

The crowd at Madison Square Garden erupted, chanting “M-V-P!” as she walked to the line. “That’s just Sabrina being Sabrina,” said Liberty forward Betnijah Laney. “She’s a winner, and she’ll do whatever it takes.”

Mabrey, the Sun’s veteran guard, had a forgettable night defending Ionescu. The 30-year-old, known for her tenacity, was consistently beaten off the dribble and picked up her fifth foul midway through the third quarter.

She finished with 8 points on 3-of-12 shooting and was visibly frustrated by the final whistle. “You can’t simulate her speed and IQ,” Mabrey said. “She’s a nightmare to guard.”

The Liberty’s dominance was a team effort, but Ionescu’s playmaking was the catalyst. She dished out 12 assists, many of them to sharpshooters like Kahleah Copper (18 points) and Jazman Dieudonne (14 points).

The team shot 52% from the field and outscored the Sun 54-32 in the paint, leveraging their size and athleticism to overwhelm Connecticut’s defense. “We’re built to complement Sabrina,” Copper said. “When she’s dealing, we’re all better.”

The Sun, now 14-15 and clinging to a playoff spot, had no answer for New York’s intensity. Jonquel Jones, the team’s star forward, managed just 14 points on 5-of-13 shooting, often forced into contested looks by the Liberty’s switching defense. “We got outplayed in every way,” Jones said. “There’s no excuse.” The loss drops Connecticut to sixth in the WNBA standings, with a difficult schedule ahead.

Ionescu’s record-breaking night has sent shockwaves through the league, with fans and analysts alike praising her historic campaign. The hashtag #SabrinaLegend trended globally, with social media flooded with highlights of her step-back threes, no-look passes, and clutch plays.

ESPN’s Chiney Ogwumike called her “the most dynamic player in the league right now,” while WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert released a statement celebrating her achievements: “Sabrina continues to redefine what’s possible in women’s basketball.”

The financial implications are also significant. Liberty merchandise sales surged by 150% in the 24 hours following the game, with Ionescu’s jersey becoming the top-selling WNBA jersey of all time.

The team has announced a “History in the Making” fan appreciation night for their next home game, featuring a pre-game ceremony honoring Ionescu’s records. “This is what happens when you have a generational talent,” said Liberty owner Joseph Tsai. “We’re lucky to have her.”

The game also had playoff implications for both teams. The Liberty, now 18-11, have solidified their hold on the third seed in the WNBA standings, with a favorable schedule down the stretch.

For the Sun, the loss adds pressure to their playoff push, as they face a brutal closing slate against the Las Vegas Aces, Indiana Fever, and New York Liberty. “We’re in a fight,” said Sun coach Chris Collier. “We’ll see what we’re made of.”

Ionescu’s growing legacy is undeniable. With seven triple-doubles this season, she’s not only breaking records but redefining the point guard position in the WNBA.

Her ability to dominate scoring, playmaking, and rebounding at an elite level has drawn comparisons to all-time greats like Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi. “She’s in a class of her own,” said Aces star A’ja Wilson. “Sabrina’s changing the game.”

The broader impact of her performance extends beyond the court. As women’s sports continue to gain visibility, Ionescu’s historic season provides a powerful narrative of excellence and marketability.

Her ability to captivate audiences and drive revenue underscores the WNBA’s potential for growth. “This is a moment for the league,” said ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith. “Sabrina’s not just a star—she’s a movement.”

As the Liberty prepare for a critical road trip next week, they do so with momentum and a renewed sense of purpose. Ionescu’s records are a testament to her hard work and the team’s cohesion, but the focus remains on the bigger picture. “We’re not done yet,” she said. “These records mean nothing if we don’t win a championship.”

For now, the court remains Sabrina Ionescu’s stage—a place where she’s rewriting history and inspiring a generation. As the season enters its final stretch, one thing is clear: the New York Liberty are a team on a mission, led by a player who refuses to settle for anything less than greatness.