Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

WNBA Team Fights Back Tears Days After Beating Caitlin Clark

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Liz Lindain | Last updated May 27, 2025 4:06 PM ET

On Saturday, the New York Liberty beat the Indiana Fever with a final score of 90-88, maintaining their undefeated record at 3–0. Center Jonquel Jones led the charge with 26 points, while Sabrina Ionescu added 23.

The game concluded dramatically as Natasha Cloud stole the ball from Fever guard Caitlin Clark on Indiana’s final possession, sealing the win.

Despite a strong performance from Aliyah Boston, who tallied 27 points and 13 rebounds, the Fever couldn't overcome the Liberty's late surge.

The Liberty will host the Golden State Valkyries at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY, on Tuesday evening. This matchup marks the return of Kayla Thornton, with whom she previously won a championship with the Liberty in 2024 before joining the Valkyries in the expansion draft for the 2025 season.

In a video released on Tuesday afternoon, Thornton was seen reuniting with her old Liberty teammates hours before their game.

The emotional moment brought the 32-year-old forward to tears as she embraced her former teammates, highlighting the strong bond she still shares with the squad despite now playing for the Valkyries.

Kayla Thornton started crying when she reunited with her liberty teammates

You’re a liberty forever KT pic.twitter.com/ucqNo1rF6l
— Libs in 4 (@ddubxdo) May 27, 2025

The Liberty had a full ring and banner ceremony on May 17, right before their season opener against the Las Vegas Aces. Thornton will be given her championship ring during Tuesday's game.

On October 20, 2024, the Liberty won their first WNBA championship by defeating the Minnesota Lynx 67–62. This win marks their first-ever WNBA Championship in 28 seasons and New York City’s first professional basketball championship since 1973.

Fans can watch the Thorton and the Valkyries go against the Liberty on Tuesday at 7 p.m. ET.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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