Chicago Sky vs New York Liberty Match Player Stats

The chicago sky vs new york liberty match player stats from the August 18, 2026 meeting at Wintrust Arena tell the story of one of Chicago’s most impressive performances of the season. The Sky defeated the Liberty 93-86 behind a career-high 35 points from Natasha Cloud, a 17-point double-double from Kamilla Cardoso, and a strong 44-rebound effort. New York received 22 points from Breanna Stewart and 12 assists from Sabrina Ionescu, but Chicago’s combination of rebounding, late-game execution, and interior scoring proved decisive. The official Chicago Sky recap confirms the 93-86 result and identifies Cloud’s 35-point performance as a career best.

Table of Contents

Chicago Sky vs New York Liberty Match Player Stats: Game Overview

The game was played at Wintrust Arena in Chicago and became a particularly important result for the Sky because New York had already won the first two meetings of the season by a combined two points.

Chicago entered the matchup with a 13-22 record according to the supplied game context, while New York entered at 22-15. Despite the difference in overall records, the matchup had already shown that the teams could play each other extremely closely.

The first two meetings ended with New York winning 96-95 and 95-94. Chicago finally broke through with a seven-point victory.

The quarter-by-quarter scoring shows where the game changed:

Quarter	New York Liberty	Chicago Sky
First	24	24
Second	19	30
Third	23	20
Fourth	20	19
Final	86	93

The second quarter was the key statistical swing.

After a completely even first period, Chicago produced a 30-point second quarter while holding New York to 19. That created an 11-point halftime advantage and gave the Sky enough margin to withstand New York’s attempts to recover after halftime.

The Liberty did not disappear from the game. They actually won the third quarter 23-20 and kept the fourth quarter competitive. The difference was that Chicago had already created enough separation during the second period.

That is an important distinction when analyzing this game. The Sky did not dominate every part of the contest. Instead, they produced their best basketball during the stretch that mattered most.

Why Chicago Won the Game

The final score of 93-86 can look relatively straightforward, but the underlying numbers explain why the Sky were able to hold off a talented Liberty team.

Chicago finished with:

35-for-79 shooting from the field
7-for-28 shooting from three-point range
16-for-22 shooting at the free-throw line
44 rebounds
24 assists
13 turnovers
8 steals
2 blocks

New York finished with:

33-for-72 shooting from the field
9-for-36 shooting from three-point range
11-for-13 shooting at the free-throw line
35 rebounds
24 assists
15 turnovers
7 steals
4 blocks

One of the clearest differences was rebounding.

Chicago collected nine more rebounds than New York. That advantage matters because the Sky were not dramatically more accurate from the field. In fact, New York’s overall field-goal percentage was slightly higher.

The difference was how Chicago created additional possessions and second-chance opportunities.

The official Sky recap specifically notes that Chicago recorded 20 second-chance points while collecting 44 rebounds.

That is one of the most useful takeaways from the game.

When a team shoots 44% from the field and only 25% from three, it needs another way to generate offense. Chicago found that solution through rebounding, attacking the basket, and getting to the free-throw line.

Natasha Cloud Was the Offensive Difference-Maker

Natasha Cloud was unquestionably the standout performer.

She finished with:

35 points
13-for-21 field goals
4-for-8 three-pointers
5-for-6 free throws
9 rebounds
6 assists
3 turnovers
+4 plus/minus

Her 35 points were a career high.

The official Chicago Sky recap also highlighted the historical significance of the performance. Cloud became the first player in Sky history to record at least 35 points, five rebounds, and five assists in the same game.

That combination is more meaningful than the scoring total by itself.

Cloud was not simply taking a large number of shots. She was creating offense in several ways.</p>

=”font-weight: 400;”>She shot 13-for-21 from the field, which means she converted 61.9% of her attempts. She also made four three-pointers and finished 5-for-6 at the line.

Her scoring efficiency allowed Chicago to rely heavily on her without turning the offense into a low-efficiency isolation attack.

Cloud’s Fourth Quarter Was Especially Important

Cloud entered the second half with 16 points and then added 19 after halftime.

The official recap notes that she tied her previous best of 31 points with 1:17 remaining before passing that mark and giving Chicago an important late lead.

Her late-game production mattered because New York was still within striking distance.

Chicago did not simply build a lead and coast. Cloud repeatedly generated important baskets as the Liberty attempted to close the gap.

Her three-pointer with 3:40 remaining was another major moment. It gave her four made threes and pushed her beyond her previous season scoring high.

This is where traditional box-score analysis can miss the larger story. Cloud’s 35 points were valuable because they arrived across different stages of the game.

She scored efficiently early, remained productive after halftime, and then delivered some of her biggest plays during the closing stretch.

Kamilla Cardoso Controlled the Glass

Kamilla Cardoso provided the interior foundation behind Chicago’s victory.

Her line was:

17 points
6-for-12 field goals
5-for-7 free throws
12 rebounds
4 assists
1 turnover
2 steals
1 block
+13 plus/minus

Cardoso’s 17 points were important, but her 12 rebounds may have been even more valuable.

She finished with a double-double and gave Chicago a reliable interior presence against a Liberty frontcourt featuring Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones.

The official Sky recap identified this as Cardoso’s 13th double-double of the season and noted that she was producing some of her strongest statistical work during August.

Her four assists are also worth noticing.

A center who can rebound, finish inside, defend the paint, and contribute as a passer gives a team more ways to punish defensive rotations.

Cardoso’s +13 plus/minus was one of Chicago’s strongest marks among the starters. That does not mean plus/minus alone proves that she was the second-most important player, but it does reinforce what the rest of the box score shows: Chicago played well while she was on the floor.

Azurá Stevens Set the Tone Early

Azurá Stevens finished with:

12 points
5-for-9 field goals
2-for-2 free throws
7 rebounds
2 assists
1 turnover
1 block
+14 plus/minus

Her start was particularly important.

Stevens scored 10 points in the first quarter, helping Chicago match New York’s 24-point opening period.

That early production prevented the Liberty from gaining control before Cloud and Cardoso became bigger factors.

Her +14 plus/minus was the best among Chicago’s listed starters, another indication that her two-way contribution had a meaningful impact.

Stevens did not need to score 25 points to influence the game. Her early scoring, rebounding, size, and defensive activity helped create the conditions for Chicago’s later offensive push.

Courtney Vandersloot’s Six Assists Mattered

Courtney Vandersloot posted:

8 points
3-for-9 field goals
1-for-3 from three
1-for-2 free throws
3 rebounds
6 assists
1 steal
+7 plus/minus

Her scoring was modest compared with Cloud, but that is not the role in which she needed to dominate.

Six assists helped Chicago maintain offensive organization and move the ball against New York’s defense.

The Sky finished with 24 assists as a team, matching the Liberty’s total.

That is significant because Chicago did not win simply by playing a one-player offense around Cloud. The team produced balanced creation.

The official recap specifically points to Vandersloot and Cloud connecting on three consecutive three-pointers early in the game as Chicago began building momentum.

Sydney Taylor Added Efficient Support

Sydney Taylor finished with:

9 points
3-for-9 field goals
1-for-6 three-pointers
2-for-2 free throws
2 rebounds
3 assists
2 turnovers
2 steals
+7 plus/minus

Taylor’s shooting from three was not particularly efficient, but she contributed in several other areas.

Her three assists and two steals added value beyond scoring, and her return to the floor gave Chicago another perimeter option.

The official Sky recap notes that this was Taylor’s return after she had last played on August 3.

That context matters because box-score numbers do not always capture the importance of getting a rotation player back into game action.

Breanna Stewart Led New York’s Scoring

For New York, Breanna Stewart remained the most reliable scoring threat.

She finished with:

22 points
8-for-13 field goals
1-for-3 three-pointers
5-for-6 free throws
7 rebounds
3 assists
2 turnovers
3 steals
1 block

Stewart’s 22 points led the Liberty.

Her 8-for-13 shooting represented a strong 61.5% field-goal rate, almost identical to Cloud’s shooting efficiency.

That makes the comparison between the two stars particularly interesting.

Cloud scored 35 points on 21 attempts.

Stewart scored 22 points on 13 attempts.

Both were efficient, but Cloud simply had a much larger offensive workload.

Stewart also contributed across the box score with seven rebounds, three assists, three steals, and a block.

Her all-around production helped keep New York competitive even when Chicago created its second-quarter advantage.

Sabrina Ionescu’s Playmaking Was a Major Factor

Sabrina Ionescu’s performance deserves special attention because her value in this matchup went beyond scoring.

She recorded a double-double with 18 points and 12 assists, according to the official Chicago Sky recap.

That 12-assist total was one of the biggest individual playmaking numbers in the game.

Ionescu helped New York generate quality offensive possessions even while Chicago maintained pressure on the Liberty.

Her ability to create for teammates was one reason New York remained within reach after halftime.

The Liberty ultimately finished with 24 assists as a team, matching Chicago.

That tells us something important about the game. Neither side won because one team completely overwhelmed the other in passing.

Instead, Chicago’s edge came from what happened after missed shots and from its ability to turn key possessions into points.

Jonquel Jones Provided Perimeter Shooting

Jonquel Jones was another important part of the Liberty’s offensive profile.

She finished with 14 points and made 3 of 7 attempts from three-point range.

That made her New York’s leading three-point shooter by makes in the supplied game data.

Jones’ perimeter shooting is especially valuable in a matchup against Chicago’s size.

When a frontcourt player can stretch the defense beyond the arc, it becomes harder for the opposing team to load up on interior threats.

However, New York finished only 9-for-36 from three overall.

That is a 25% shooting rate.

Chicago made seven threes on 28 attempts, also 25%.

The teams were therefore identical in three-point percentage, although New York made two more threes.

The bigger distinction was what Chicago did elsewhere.

Chicago’s Free-Throw Advantage Helped

The Sky attempted 22 free throws and made 16.

New York attempted only 13 and made 11.

That gave Chicago a nine-point advantage in free-throw attempts.

The Sky converted 72.7% from the line, while the Liberty shot 84.6%.

New York was more accurate, but Chicago reached the line more often.

That difference produced five more made free throws for the Sky.

In a seven-point game, those additional points are highly relevant.

Chicago’s offensive profile was therefore built on three connected elements:

Strong individual scoring from Cloud.
A major rebounding advantage.
More opportunities at the free-throw line.

The Sky did not need to win every statistical category because those three areas provided enough support for their offense.

The Rebounding Battle Explains a Lot

One of the strongest statistical differences was the rebounding margin.

Chicago had 44 rebounds.

New York had 35.

That nine-rebound gap is substantial.

It also connects directly to the 20 second-chance points Chicago recorded.

Second-chance scoring can be especially important when a team is not shooting at an elite percentage.

Chicago’s 44% field-goal shooting was good, but not overwhelming.

The Sky missed 44 field-goal attempts.

Every missed shot created another opportunity for the defense to secure the ball or for Chicago to extend the possession.

By winning the rebounding battle, Chicago turned some of those missed shots into additional scoring chances.

Cardoso’s 12 rebounds and Stevens’ seven were particularly important, while Cloud added nine.

That gave Chicago multiple strong rebounders rather than relying on a single player.

Turnovers Also Favored Chicago

The Sky committed 13 turnovers.

The Liberty committed 15.

The two-turnover difference was not enormous, but it favored Chicago.

Combined with the rebounding advantage, it helped the Sky control possession.

Chicago also recorded eight steals compared with seven for New York.

Again, this was not a massive statistical separation.

The important point is that Chicago avoided losing the possession battle.

When a team has lower three-point volume efficiency and a similar field-goal percentage to its opponent, limiting wasted possessions becomes even more important.

The Sky accomplished that.

The Second Quarter Was the Turning Point

The most revealing part of the game may be the second quarter.

The first quarter ended 24-24.

Then Chicago scored 30 points while New York scored 19.

That 11-point swing changed the structure of the game.

A team can survive a poor quarter when it has a strong response. New York did that in the third quarter, winning 23-20.

But the Liberty could not completely erase the halftime deficit.

The fourth quarter was also competitive, with New York scoring 20 and Chicago scoring 19.

That means Chicago did not win because it continued to dominate after halftime.

Instead, the Sky created their advantage during their strongest offensive stretch and then managed the remaining 20 minutes well enough to protect it.

That is a valuable lesson when studying game results. The final margin does not always reveal the most important quarter.

Chicago’s Late-Game Execution

The final minutes provided another reason the game ended in Chicago’s favor.

According to the official Sky recap, Chicago used a 10-2 run from 1:50 to 0:06 to help secure the victory.

That late stretch was the difference between a close game and a seven-point win.

Cloud was at the center of the closing sequence.

Cardoso also delivered an important driving layup with 39.9 seconds remaining, scoring off a Cloud assist.

Cloud then helped close the game at the free-throw line.

This is where Chicago’s earlier advantages became important.

The Sky had enough rebounding and offensive production to stay in front, and then their leading scorer delivered when the Liberty needed stops.

Chicago Sky vs New York Liberty Match Player Stats: Head-to-Head Breakdown

The most useful way to understand the matchup is to compare the key contributors directly.

Player	Team	PTS	REB	AST	Key contribution
Natasha Cloud	Chicago	35	9	6	Career-high scoring and late-game creation
Kamilla Cardoso	Chicago	17	12	4	Double-double and rebounding control
Azurá Stevens	Chicago	12	7	2	Strong first quarter and +14
Courtney Vandersloot	Chicago	8	3	6	Playmaking and offensive organization
Sydney Taylor	Chicago	9	2	3	Perimeter support and two steals
Breanna Stewart	New York	22	7	3	Efficient scoring and two-way production
Sabrina Ionescu	New York	18	7	12	Double-double and elite playmaking
Jonquel Jones	New York	14	5	1	Three-point shooting
Han Xu	New York	12	7	Not listed	Bench scoring and frontcourt size

The comparison shows a clear pattern.

New York had excellent individual performances from Stewart and Ionescu.

Chicago had a stronger combination of star scoring, interior rebounding, and supporting contributions.

Cloud’s 35 points were the largest individual scoring performance of the night, while Cardoso’s 12 rebounds helped establish Chicago’s control of the glass.

Bench Production

Bench scoring was another area where the game deserves a closer look.

For New York, Han Xu supplied 12 points in 26 minutes. Rebekah Gardner added four points, while Marine Johannes scored three.

For Chicago, DiJonai Carrington and Gabriela Jaquez each contributed four points, while Rachel Banham scored three and Elizabeth Williams added one.

The official Sky recap highlighted Han Xu’s 12 points as part of New York’s supporting production.

New York therefore received useful scoring beyond Stewart and Ionescu, but Chicago’s starters supplied a larger share of the team’s offensive punch.

That makes Cloud’s performance even more important.

What the Shooting Numbers Really Say

At first glance, the shooting numbers suggest a relatively even matchup.

Chicago shot 44% from the field.

New York shot 46%.

Both teams shot 25% from three.

New York was better from the free-throw line.

Yet Chicago won by seven.

The explanation is that shooting percentage is only one part of offensive efficiency.

Chicago compensated for its slightly lower field-goal percentage by:

Winning the rebounding battle.
Creating 20 second-chance points.
Attempting more free throws.
Turning 13 turnovers into fewer lost possessions.
Getting 35 points from Cloud.
Getting a double-double from Cardoso.
Maintaining balanced playmaking with 24 assists.

This is why a box score should be read as a connected system rather than a collection of isolated numbers.

Season Series Context

The August 18 victory was Chicago’s first win over New York in the four-game season series.

The supplied season-series results were:

Game	Result
June 18	New York 96, Chicago 95
July 23	New York 95, Chicago 94
August 18	Chicago 93, New York 86
August 29	New York 85, Chicago 66

New York therefore won the season series 3-1.

That broader context makes Chicago’s 93-86 victory particularly interesting.

The Sky had lost the first two meetings by one point each. Those games could easily have gone either way, but the third matchup finally went in Chicago’s direction.

The later August 29 meeting then swung heavily back toward New York, with the Liberty winning 85-66. The official WNBA game page confirms that final result.

So the 93-86 game should not be interpreted as proof that Chicago had solved New York for the season.

Instead, it was a standout example of how competitive the matchup could become when Chicago controlled the glass and Cloud was operating at an elite level.

A Note About the Game Date

There is an important date detail for anyone publishing or archiving this box score.

The supplied data identifies the game as August 19, 2026. However, the official Chicago Sky recap identifies the game itself as Tuesday, August 18, 2026, while the WNBA’s related highlight and postgame material was published on August 19.

For a fact-checked article, August 18, 2026 should therefore be treated as the game date.

This distinction matters for anyone building historical sports databases, publishing game logs, or comparing daily schedules.

A Note About Player Data

The supplied player table contains some figures that conflict with the official recap.

Most notably, the supplied information lists Sabrina Ionescu with eight points and one assist, while the official Chicago Sky recap reports 18 points and 12 assists and describes the performance as a double-double. It also reports Rebecca Allen with 14 points, five rebounds, and two steals.

Because accurate sports reporting depends on using the correct box score, the figures in this article prioritize the official game information where a discrepancy exists.

That is especially important when articles are intended to be used as reference material. A single incorrect player line can cause problems for readers who use the article for fantasy analysis, historical research, statistical comparison, or content creation.

The official WNBA stats database also provides a searchable archive of player box scores across seasons.

What Fantasy and Statistical Analysts Can Take From the Game

Although this was a single game, several player-level trends stand out.

Natasha Cloud

Cloud’s performance is the obvious headline.

A 35-point, nine-rebound, six-assist game demonstrates elite multi-category production. Her four three-pointers also prevented New York from simply defending her as an interior scorer.

Kamilla Cardoso

Cardoso’s 17 points and 12 rebounds show why her presence can change Chicago’s offensive profile.

Her value does not depend entirely on scoring. Rebounding, finishing, passing, steals, and rim protection all contributed to the victory.

Sabrina Ionescu

Ionescu’s 18-point, 12-assist double-double demonstrates the importance of playmaking.

Even though New York lost, her passing helped the Liberty produce 24 team assists and remain competitive.

Breanna Stewart

Stewart’s 22 points on 8-for-13 shooting were highly efficient.

She was not responsible for New York’s loss simply because she did not score 30 or more. The bigger issue was that Chicago produced more collectively in the areas that separated the teams.

What Coaches Can Learn From the Matchup

There are several tactical lessons hidden inside the numbers.

First, rebounding can compensate for average perimeter shooting.

Chicago did not shoot the ball exceptionally well from three. Yet the Sky consistently created extra opportunities.

Second, high-level stars need complementary production.

Cloud was spectacular, but she did not win alone. Cardoso controlled the glass, Stevens scored early, and Vandersloot created opportunities.

Third, late-game execution matters more than overall statistical dominance.

New York had a slight field-goal percentage advantage and a better free-throw percentage. None of that mattered enough to overcome Chicago’s closing run.

Fourth, possession control remains fundamental.

The nine-rebound advantage combined with the two-turnover advantage gave Chicago a more favorable possession profile.

The Biggest Statistical Takeaways

If the entire game is reduced to the most important numbers, these stand out:

35: Natasha Cloud’s career-high point total.

12: Kamilla Cardoso’s rebounds.

12: Sabrina Ionescu’s assists.

44: Chicago’s total rebounds.

35: New York’s total rebounds.

20: Chicago’s second-chance points.

24: Assists for both teams.

13: Chicago turnovers.

15: New York turnovers.

30: Chicago’s second-quarter points.

19: New York’s second-quarter points.

7: Chicago’s final winning margin.

Together, these numbers describe the game better than the final score alone.

Why the Result Was Significant for Chicago

Chicago’s victory mattered beyond the standings because of how it happened.

The Sky had already lost two extremely close games to New York.

Instead of allowing those earlier results to define the matchup, Chicago produced a stronger second quarter, controlled the boards, and received a career performance from Cloud.

The result also demonstrated that Chicago could beat a high-level opponent without relying on an unusually high three-point percentage.

That is a useful sign for a team trying to build a sustainable identity.

Why New York Still Had Positive Signs

The loss was not without positives for the Liberty.

Stewart was efficient.

Ionescu created 12 assists.

Jones hit three three-pointers.

The Liberty finished with 24 assists.

They also shot 46% from the field and 85% from the free-throw line.

Those numbers suggest that New York’s offensive structure was not fundamentally broken.

The problem was that Chicago generated more opportunities and converted enough of them to make the difference.

The later 85-66 Liberty victory on August 29 reinforced that the matchup remained strongly dependent on execution and game context rather than being a simple talent mismatch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who scored the most points in the Chicago Sky vs New York Liberty game?

Natasha Cloud led all scorers with 35 points for Chicago. Her 35-point performance was a career high and included four made three-pointers, nine rebounds, and six assists.

Who led the New York Liberty in scoring?

Breanna Stewart led New York with 22 points. She shot 8-for-13 from the field and also recorded seven rebounds, three assists, three steals, and one block.

Who had the most assists in the game?

Sabrina Ionescu led the game with 12 assists while scoring 18 points for New York. The official recap identifies the performance as her third double-double of the season.

Who led the Chicago Sky in rebounds?

Kamilla Cardoso led Chicago with 12 rebounds. She also scored 17 points, giving her a double-double.

How many rebounds did Chicago have compared with New York?

Chicago collected 44 rebounds, while New York had 35. The nine-rebound advantage was one of the clearest statistical differences in the game.

Who won the season series between Chicago and New York?

New York won the four-game season series 3-1. Chicago’s 93-86 victory was its only win against the Liberty during the 2026 regular-season series.

Conclusion

The chicago sky vs new york liberty match player stats from this matchup show why a final score should never be analyzed in isolation.

Chicago won 93-86 because several important factors aligned at the same time. Natasha Cloud delivered a career-high 35 points while adding nine rebounds and six assists. Kamilla Cardoso controlled the interior with 12 rebounds and 17 points. Azurá Stevens provided an early scoring spark, while Courtney Vandersloot contributed six assists and helped organize the offense.

The Sky also won the rebounding battle 44-35, generated 20 second-chance points, committed two fewer turnovers, and reached the free-throw line more frequently.

New York had its own standout performances. Breanna Stewart scored 22 points efficiently, while Sabrina Ionescu produced 18 points and 12 assists. The Liberty’s 24 assists and 46% field-goal shooting showed that their offense remained productive.

The decisive difference was Chicago’s ability to turn its physical advantages and timely scoring into a seven-point victory. The second-quarter surge created the separation, while Cloud and Cardoso helped the Sky withstand New York’s attempts to recover.

The result was also significant because Chicago had lost the first two meetings by only one point each. The 93-86 win represented a clear change in the immediate head-to-head narrative, even though New York ultimately won the four-game season series 3-1.

For readers studying individual performance, the biggest lesson is that the strongest box-score stories often come from the interaction between scoring, rebounding, playmaking, efficiency, and possession control. Cloud’s 35 points were the headline, but Chicago’s victory was built from much more than one player’s scoring total.