What happened: Sabrina Ionescu put the New York Liberty on the board against the Washington Mystics in Brooklyn, splitting the defense with a euro-step before finishing at the rim. The hosts and visitors entered the matchup trending in opposite directions.
Why it matters: New York arrived as one of the league's hottest teams, while Washington has hovered around .500. The two clubs have already met twice this season, with New York taking both, so the early shot-making from its backcourt sets an important tone in a matchup the Liberty are expected to control.
By the numbers: New York: 12-5 this season, winners of eight straight, scoring 88.5 per game and allowing 83.0. Washington: 7-8, scoring 80.9 and allowing 84.7. Season series this year: New York 86, Washington 64 (June 14) and New York 98, Washington 93 (May 10).
What to watch: Watch whether New York's league-best form holds against a Washington side that has struggled defensively, and how Ionescu builds on her early start.