Even though it is the beginning of the season, it seems that the New York Liberty have been their own enemy. With this much talent on the roster, it is the only acceptable answer. Yesterday afternoon, they had a second half collapse in the face of the Wings Azzi Fudd’s second half shooting display. Almost two weeks ago, the Liberty’s 18 turnovers led to the newly founded Portland Fire to blaze their way into victory. It’s been that kind of a season so far: if it’s not one thing, it’s another.
Again,
it is early in the season with 38 games left, so there’s not much to be too concerned about. But if the Liberty want to fulfill their championship hopes, this is the time to correct these self made mistakes.
Tonight, the Liberty will match up again with Portland, this time in front of what’s could be their second straight sell out after Saturday’s game drew 17,622 to Barclays. New York will look to gain the upper hand in what is now a split in the season series.
Where To Watch
Catch the action at 8:00 p.m. ET on Peacock.
Injuries
Betnijah Laney-Hamilton (personal) is day to day. Her return is needed as the Liberty can use a spark.
All good for the Fire.
The Game
Breann Stewart said it herself yesterday, “I don’t think we’re, like, particularly being like the aggressors…that’s how you get out in transition and really kind of make a run.”
Being the aggressors also allows you to make pushes at the correct time. Getting out in transition early and making the first punch could be the name of the game for the Liberty, as they need to send a message to the Fire that they are championship favorites for a reason.
Also, with Sabrina Ionescu getting back and healthy, efficiency will be next for her in her second game back. A shooting performance of 4-of-15 is fine when it’s your first game back, but it won’t be if it continues.
Player To Watch: Bridget Carleton
Bridget Carleton has been a stat sheet stuffer to start the season for Portland. Averaging 16.5 points on 40% from three, Carleton currently leads the team in points, assists, and steals. In her eighth season, Carleton has been around long enough to know what it takes to go far in the W. And that exact leadership can potentially be a catapult for the Fire as they navigate their way to becoming a respectable franchise.
From the Vault
Today is the day we celebrate those who gave their lives to their country in foreign wars, the most recent the ongoing Iran War which has taken 13 lives so far.
No memorial to the dead is more revered than the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery outside Washington. There, since 1921 the bodies of unidentified dead from American wars have been entombed in three crypts guarded by members of the Old Guard who also serve as escorts to the president and conduct military ceremonies in and around Washington.
Take a moment to honor the fallen.
More reading: 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, Just Women’s Sports, Winsidr, Her Hoop Stats, Yahoo Sports, ESPN, CBS Sports,
- New York Liberty Game Notes – New York Liberty
- Portland Fire Game Notes – Portland Fire
