UNCASVILLE, CT – MAY 3: Anneli Maley #24 of the New York Liberty drives to the basket during the game against the Connecticut Sun during a WNBA Pre Season game on May 3, 2026 at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Chris Marion/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The pre-season finale serves multiple purposes. You get another opportunity to evaluate players that are competing for roster spots. The coach gets to implement more of their schemes that they will carry into the regular season. And your main rotation get some valuable minutes against live competition before the season begins. The New York Liberty hit all three checkmarks, but have a big concern following their pre-season finale.
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In the third quarter, Sabrina Ionescu landed awkwardly and rolled her left ankle. In postgame, Chris DeMarco said that things were positive, but she would be undergoing an MRI on Monday, May 4. Ionescu was seen in a boot following the game, but everyone, including coach Chris DeMarco, noted she’s in good spirits. For the Liberty’s sake, they are hoping that she is good to go for the season.
While everyone hopes for the best, the rest of the team continued to build good habits. New York has spoken a lot about getting into the pain this year, and they found their way to the cup early and often
Coming out of the game, the Liberty were happy with their process while understanding they have room to get even better
In her pre-season debut, Pauline Astier made a very strong case to make the roster coming out of camp. The French guard had 12/4/1/1/1 in 21 minutes off the bench as she consistently got downhill and put pressure on the Sun defense.
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“I’m feeling really good,” Astier said in postgame. “I like the way we play. We’re pushing the ball and we just run the ball.”
“She’s special and knows the game,” DeMarco said. “Some of that stuff you can’t teach and outside of her competitiveness, she just has a great feel for the game. She elevates her teammates and does a really great job.”
The Liberty bench will be critical this year. Even if Ionescu isn’t out with injury, the team will be counting on guards like Astier and Marine Johannès off the bench to provide rim pressure, keep the offense humming, and play solid defense. So far, so good.
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Final score: New York Liberty 79, Connecticut Sun 67
Someone else that had a great outing for the Liberty was Anneli Maley. Maley played 24 minutes and routinely had hustle plays that completed possessions for the Liberty while providing a spark that kept the Sun at bay. Maley is a good candidate to make the roster once final rosters are set. If she comes up a bit short, the developmental roster spot could be an avenue for her as well. Either way, she should be a part of the Liberty in some capacity this season.
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JUNE 01: New York Liberty fans celebrate in the second half as the New York Liberty take on the Connecticut Sun at Barclays Center on June 01, 2025 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The New York Liberty defeated the Connecticut Sun 100-52. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) | Getty Images
On to the regular season! The Liberty will open the 2026 season against the Connecticut Sun on Friday May 8th at Barclays Center. Tip after 7:30 p.m. ET.
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