NEW YORK — Teresa Weatherspoon said she’ll always be “Liberty for life.”
Her homecoming to New York was special for the first-year Chicago Sky coach as her team came away with a win.
Marina Mabrey had 21 points, seven assists and six rebounds to help the Sky beat the Liberty 90-81 on Thursday night.
“This was was really for her,” said Sky guard Dana Evans, who added 12 points. “We really wanted this for her more than anything.”
Weatherspoon starred as a player for the Liberty in the WNBA’s early days. She helped them reach the finals in three of the league’s first four years. She was the heart and soul of those teams, and the crowd always adored her.
Many of those same fans from 20 years ago were in the crowd Thursday night wearing Weatherspoon’s No. 11 jersey.
“I know those fans in there,” Weatherspoon said. “I know them, I know a lot of the faces. There was a connection. … There’s a lot of love that we have for each other and I would lead by saying how much I love them and appreciate them and nothing will ever change that. Nothing.”
The coach was honored with a loud ovation in pregame introductions and then again when the Liberty played a tribute video midway through the first quarter.
“I’m going to show my love for them and show my appreciation to everyone in New York City,” Weatherspoon said. “I hope you see this and know I love you all very much from the bottom of my heart, me and my family.”
Angel Reese added 13 points and nine rebounds for the Sky (2-1).
The Liberty (4-1) led 68-67 early in the fourth quarter before Mabrey and Reese spurred a 19-7 run to give the Sky an 86-75 lead. Reese then had a three-point play with 2:18 left that put the game away.
“Confidence builder if anything,” Mabrey said of the win. “This league is so tough. We’re going to turn around and play Connecticut (next). Appreciate this tonight then tomorrow hits.”
Sabrina Ionescu scored 19 points while Breanna Stewart added 18 points and 10 rebounds for New York, which was off to its best start since the 2007 season.
Stewart missed all four of her shot attempts in the first half while Jonquel Jones was saddled with foul trouble. The Sky were able to build a 40-32 halftime lead behind Mabrey, who scored 12 in the half.
New York trailed by double digits in the third quarter before Stewart led a rally for a brief lead.
Training room
The Sky were missing Isabelle Harrison (knee), Diamond DeShields (foot) and Kamilla Cardoso (shoulder). Weatherspoon said she expected to have DeShields and Cardoso back soon.