Following a messy offseason, New York Liberty guard Natasha Cloud was set to face the Phoenix Mercury for the first time since what she has referred to as a blindside. In addition to the off-court emotions, this game was set to be a great watch for any WNBA fan, with both teams in the top five in the standings.
The New York Liberty were forced to start the game immediately attempting to defend Alyssa Thomas (AT), known for her aggressive approach on the court, but were unsuccessful. The Liberty quickly recovered, with Kennedy Burke able to hit a three. The two top-five teams were evenly matched throughout most of the first, seeing Sabrina Ionescu and AT each creating the most opportunities for their respective teams. At the end of the first quarter, the Sabally sisters had their first head-to-head experience of the game. Before the game, Nyara Sabally of the Liberty expressed how special it is for the sisters to be able to face each other in this league. With just over two minutes remaining, Cloud made a three, earning a roar from the Brooklyn crowd. The first ended with the Liberty up 17 to 15.
The second quarter saw a good mix of offensive efforts from both teams. Jonquel Jones (JJ) left the game with an ankle injury midway through the second, affecting the Liberty’s rebound confidence and overall defensive structure. Cloud once again was feeling confident at the three point line, going two-for-two. The Mercury found more chances in the paint throughout the first half and kept the score close. Continuing to show some spark, Cloud found a path to Breanna Stewart, earning a gorgeous assist on a three, putting the Liberty up 37-31. Neither team found themselves able to go on much of a run before half time. The half ended with Phoenix up 41-38.
After a shaky start to the third for the home team, Stewart made two threes, tying the game back up. Following a powerful Juneteenth performance from the Timeless Torches, the Liberty looked energized, leading to Stewart earning her 30th point of the night, inching closer to Ionescu for the team record for most 30-point games (after Ionescu had broken Stewart’s record the game prior). The third quarter ended with the Liberty up by one.
In the fourth, New York struggled to capitalize, only scoring seven points in the first five minutes of the quarter. Even Ellie the Elephant couldn’t perk up the home team enough, as the Liberty were facing an eight point deficit with 2:25 remaining. Despite a strong effort to tie the game by the Liberty, the Phoenix had a stronger offensive showing in the final minute, handing the Liberty their second loss of the season.
Head coach Sandy Brondello emphasized the impact of losing JJ early in the game and also highlighted the sheer amount of offensive rebounds the Liberty gave up during the matchup.
The New York Liberty will embark on a four game road trip, starting in Seattle with a game against the Storm on June 22. Looking ahead, the team aims to keep their heads up and be more aggressive on the court to continue their dominant start to the season.
