The Liberty try to stay near the top of WNBA East
After opening the 2024 WNBA season on a four-game winning streak, the New York Liberty went into last night’s (Wednesday) game at the Barclays Center versus the Phoenix Mercury with a record of 4-2 looking to end a two-game losing slide. They began this week second in the Eastern Conference behind the Connecticut Sun, which were 5-0 when they tipped off against the Mercury at home on Tuesday at Mohegan Sun Arena.
The Liberty fell to the Chicago Sky 91-80 last Thursday in front of a sellout crowd at the Barclays Center and two days later lost a road game to the Minnesota Lynx 84–67. Starting forward Jonquel Jones, who was averaging 13.5 points and eight rebounds before facing the Mercury, was uncharacteristically held to eight and four points respectively by the Sky and Lynx. “They played her really physically,” said Liberty head coach Sandy Brondello after the loss to the Lynx. “They didn’t allow her to get the ball. There were three people around her every time she caught it. I thought Minnesota’s defense was extremely good with their activity and their pressure and physicality. In the end, we need to work out how do we get her more open looks and get her into the game because she’s important. If we get her scoring, it will help the rest of us.”
Liberty newbie Leonie Fiebich, who before joining New York played overseas in Europe and Australia dating back to 2016, had 11 points versus the Lynx. Brondello said the solid outing will increase Fiebich’s confidence, which will be beneficial as the season progresses.
RELATED: New York Liberty win first four games in decisive fashion
“For me, it’s always fun to be on the floor, to be around my teammates,” said Fiebich. “I love to cut; I love to shoot the ball, and they put me in a good spot today. It certainly helps that the shots go in. I will continue to fill gaps, whatever the team needs, and be tough on defense.”
Reigning WNBA MVP Breanna Stewart had strong showings in both losses, posting 18 points and 10 rebounds against Chicago and 20 and 11 in the Minnesota defeat. However, Brondello emphasized that the Liberty’s defense needs to be better.
“We’ll go back and watch the film and work on areas we have to get better at,” said Brondello. “We have a few holes at the moment, but still believe in this team. Facing some adversity now is not a bad thing for us. It will help us grow.”
The Liberty are back on home court tomorrow night against the Washington Mystics and on Sunday against the Indiana Fever. The team then heads out on a three-game road trip taking on the Sky next Tuesday, the Atlanta Dream next Thursday and the Connecticut Sun next Saturday, June 8. They return home on Sunday, June 9 to host the Mystics.
The post The Liberty try to stay near the top of WNBA East appeared first on New York Amsterdam News.