Done at the buzzer. It was a back-and-forth affair on Tuesday night as the New York Liberty and Portland Fire went shot for shot. Unfortunately for New York, a fortuitous bounce went the Fire’s way and Sarah Ashlee Barker cashed in a last second layup to beat NY.
Where to follow the game
My9 on TV for the locals. Liberty Live on streaming for the locals. Amazon Prime on streaming. Late tip so we’re getting started after 10:00 p.m. ET
Injuries
Rebecca Allen is questionable. Sabrina Ionescu, Satou Sabally, Leonie Fiebich, and Raquel
Carrera are out.
Carla Leite and Sug Sutton are questionable while Karlie Samuelson is out.
The game
In roster news, the team announced that Alex Fowler was signed to the second developmental roster spot. Fowler joins Marine Fauthoux as the team’s developmental players this season.
Tuesday night was a movie, so let’s watch a mini movie!
For the Liberty to get back in the winner’s circle, they’ll need to cut down on their turnovers. New York turned it over 18 times on Tuesday, and it sullied what was otherwise a great offensive outing. The Liberty shot 53 percent from the field and had success all over the court. If they want to win and continue to establish good habits, they’ll need to keep the turnovers to a minimum.
They’ll also need to slow down Bridget Carleton. Carleton has given the Liberty fits over the years and tuned them up to the tune of a career high 26 points on Tuesday night. With Allen possibly back, the Liberty will have one more rangy defender that can give her some trouble. New York’s perimeter defense will be a strength once everyone is back and healthy, so tonight could be a good step in that direction.
With this being the last game of a road trip and last game before some time off, it’ll be interesting to see how Chris DeMarco utilizes Jonquel Jones and Breanna Stewart. Both crossed the 34 minute mark on Tuesday and the game was tight throughout, which is always stressful. Will the team be able to do enough to win without putting too much on the shoulders of the dynamic duo? Time will tell
Player to watch: Sarah Ashlee Barker
A buzzer beater so nice we’ve got to show it twice
Barker was taken in the expansion draft last month and is looking to find her way as a member of the Fire. The game winner was especially soothing after she’s had a rough couple of days. Hopefully the game of basketball is a safe and soothing space for her going forward.
Bad three seconds in the key aside, Pauline Astier has been having a tremendous start to her WNBA career. Teh rookie guard has filled in admirably for Sabrina Ionescu in the starting five and figures to be a key bench player once Sab returns. Astier has shot incredibly well and has done a good job of keeping the offense organized. Another great game will boost her confidence even more as the team heads home.
From the Vault
Ones in the air for Jason Collins
More reading: Rose Garden Report, Swish Appeal, Breakaway, SB Nation, Women’s Basketball Roundup, The Local W, New York Daily News, No Cap Space, New York Post, Newsday, The Athletic, NY Liberty Fan TV, Fansided, Robin Lundberg, Just Women’s Sports, Lucas’s W Newsletter, Winsidr, Her Hoop Stats, Yahoo Sports, ESPN, CBS Sports, and The IX Basketball
- New York Liberty Game Notes – New York Liberty
- Portland Fire Game Notes – Portland Fire
