NY Liberty vs. Connecticut Sun: East’s top two seeds battle it out in Brooklyn
Photo by Chris Marion/NBAE via Getty Images
The New York Liberty are the WNBA’s top seed in the East, The Connecticut Sun are second. The two clubs are in Brooklyn tonight for a big game As our very own Lucas Kaplan so eloquently put, The Liberty did not have the “prettiest win” in their 79-71 victory against the Dallas Wings Thursday night in Brooklyn. What seemed to be good performances were underwhelming when considering the flow of the game — such as Kayla Thorton’s 19 points, a nice number until you realize she only shot 2-of-9 from deep.
This is not the ideal way you want to close out a two game series, especially when your next opponent is the second seeded Connecticut Sun. After making a move in acquiring former Chicago Sky sharpshooter Marina Mabrey, the Sun are looking to make a strong push in the second half of the season.
Where To Follow The Game
Make sure to catch the action on My9 at 7:00 p.m. ET sharp.
Injuries
There could be a chance Sabrina Ionescu plays Saturday after missing two games with a neck issue, but there is also a chance she may not. Ionescu could be a game time decision once again. Betnijah Laney-Hamilton is like Ionescu questionable still recovering from a right knee procedure but she will likely miss another game. Sandy Brondello, the Liberty coach, said Friday she expects Ionescu back vs. the Sun, Laney-Hamilton vs. Phoenix Mercury in Arizona Monday night.
For the Sun, Tiffany Mitchell is out after an illness laid her low Friday.
The Game
The Liberty (25-4) have beaten the Sun (21-7) three times so far this season. The Sun though has to be considered one of the few WNBA clubs who can challenge the Libs in the upcoming playoffs.
If the Liberty want to win the game, their ninth straight, they are going to have to put on an offensive show to counter what most consider the best defensive team in the league. The Sun currently allow only 73.5 points from their opponents. Ionescu’s availability will mean a lot, as her shooting should provide Brianna Stewart less responsibility (and more efficiency.)
Stewart, shot just 5-18 from the field against the Wings without Sabrina. Jonquel Jones’ passing will be critical as well. If she can find openings in the defense (as she is prone to do), it will be beneficial for the Liberty. Then of course, players like Kayla Thornton and Leonie Fiebich will need to hit shots when they are open from three, particularly if Ionescu sits again.
The game is a back-to-back for the Sun who beat the Chicago Sky 82-80, a game marred by a flagrant foul by Kennedy Chandler on newly acquired Marina Mabrey, a former teammate. Mabrey is not listed on the Sun injury report, but that could change.
Sabrina taking the stage
Sabrina Ionescu has had a couple of days off now but she has been in the news anyway. On Friday, the WNBA announced its merchandise numbers and the Nets guard finished third in sales since the start of the season, behind only the W’s superstar rookies, Caitlin Clark and Angel Rees...
Since the start of the regular season, sales of @WNBA merchandise are up over 500% vs. the same period last year — with fan gear sales over the first half of the season at the highest in league history.Player-specific merchandise, including jerseys and T-shirts, have seen a… pic.twitter.com/XR6O3aWLCJ— Boardroom (@boardroom) August 21, 2024
Also two nights ago, she sat with Seth Meyers on the set of the Late Night, discussing among other things her experience on and off the court in Paris and showing off her gold medal.
Player to Watch
For the Sun, forward Alyssa Thomas is a stat sheet stuffer. Averaging 11.4 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 7.8 assists, Thomas is a triple double threat on any given night. Because of this, Thomas is a difficult cover as she can affect various parts of the game. DeWanna Bonner will also be a problem, as she has been during all of her 15 years in the league. Newcomer Marina Mabrey is also a sharpshooter.
More reading: Swish Appeal, CT Insider, Hartford Courant, Chicago Sun Times, The Strickland, The Local W, New York Daily News, New York Post, The Athletic. Fansided, No Cap Space, Just Women’s Sports, SI All Knicks, Winsidr, Her Hoop Stats, CBS Sports, and The Next
New York Liberty Game Notes - New York Liberty
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