The second game of a mini-series is always different from the first one. When teams see each other the second time, they’re able to incorporate adjustments from the first meeting and take it into the rematch. Especially early in the season, these kind of games serve as litmus tests for what you’re trying to accomplish this year. For the New York Liberty, tonight was a step in the right direction.
In the first matchup on Tuesday night, the New York Liberty and Portland Fire played an offensive barnburner.
Both teams shot at least 50 percent from the field and over 40 percent from three point range. It was an offensive bonanza as both teams were firing on all cylinders. Early tonight, it looked like we were going to have a replay of Tuesday as the Fire jumped out to an early nine point lead. However, the Liberty were able to change up by throwing a change up.
Starting in the second quarter, New York began playing a 3-2 zone. It worked as they were able to hold the Fire to just 38.2 percent shooting in the quarter. The 3-2 zone combined with some much better execution on offense led to New York regaining the lead and expanding on it.
“It’s hard to play defense when you’re turning the ball over,” Liberty head coach Chris Demarco said. “If you’re constantly in transition, you’re out of position, you foul more, you give up threes and scrambles. It’s really hard. So, it’s all connected.”
Someone that drove New York’s attack was Pauline Astier. The rookie put forth another exceptional outing as her 20 points and three three pointers kept the Liberty offense humming. What’s been most impressive about her game so far is her ability to drive and get to the basket on a consistent basis
Astier made some really amazing history tonight as well
“I think there is a lot of talent of course,” Astier said but I think we also keep getting better in the spacing and understanding each other. We keep the flow and just continue to play to pass the ball.“
In addition to Astier’s great outing, the team was led by Marine Johannes’ WNBA career high 11 assists. On the night, New York had 30 assists to 32 made field goals. The team was able to consistently find open buckets with their drive and kick game as they had the Fire scrambling.
DeMarco’s offense has been the best in the WNBA to start the season and tonight made league history. They became the first team in WNBA history to score at least 95 points in four consecutive games to begin the season.
It was a good night all around and following an overtime win against Washington and Tuesday’s close loss, the team was able to keep everyone under 30 minutes and cruise to victory. Over the course of a long regular season and potentially long postseason, you need nights like this.
Final score: New York Liberty 100, Portland Fire 82
Welcome to the W!
Earlier in the day, the Liberty signed Alex Fowler to their second developmental spot. Fowler impressed the team in training camp and left an impression even though she didn’t make the main 12 player roster. As a developmental player, she can appear in up to 12 games if activated. Tonight she made her WNBA debut and did it in her old stomping grounds.
Fowler spent four years at the University of Portland before her professional journey took her to Australia and the WNBL. In front of her friends, family, college coaches and everyone in between, Fowler got to put on a show in her WNBA debut.
Fowler is the first player from the University of Portland to appear in a WNBA game, and the moment was not lost on Alex.
“I love Portland,” Fowler said. “I’ve always said it. I think I had the best four years there. If I could go back (to college), I would and do it all over again. It was just the best experience for me.
And to be not only in the WNBA, but on the New York Liberty? The legacy that they’ve had, especially these last few years, and the players that we have here… for me, I just want to be a sponge. It’s so cool to learn from, like, the players, and it’s just.. it’s insane that I’m literally on this team with these players. So I am having the best time. I’m just so committed.“
Depth will carry the Liberty through this season. As they wait for their stars to heal up or return from overseas play, players like Fowler, Astier, etc. will take on even more importance. It’s a total team process for this group, and at 3-1, things are looking up.
Next up
A week off! When the Liberty return, they will begin a seven game homestand. First up, the Golden State Valkyries. Tip after 8 p.m. ET on May 21.
