The Connecticut Sun had a strong start in Sunday’s rematch with the New York Liberty but couldn’t overcome 36 points from Sabrina Ionescu.

Jonquel Jones added 21 points and nine rebounds for the Liberty (18-10), who were without All-Star Breanna Stewart for a fourth straight game because of a bruised knee.

New York, which is riddled with injuries, got a lift from Emma Meesseman in her Liberty debut. The Belgium star, who spent most of the first half settling in, finished with a modest 11 points, two rebounds and three assists in her first WNBA game since 2022. Jonquel Jones added 21 points and nine rebounds.