The New York Liberty continued their dominant run in the WNBA with a hard-fought 79-71 win against the Dallas Wings at the Barclays Center. This victory marked the Liberty's eighth consecutive win, solidifying their position at the top of the Eastern Conference standings with an impressive 25-4 record, the best start in franchise history through 29 games.
Despite missing key players Sabrina Ionescu and Betnijah Laney-Hamilton due to injuries, the Liberty showcased their resilience and depth by having four players score in double figures. Two-time WNBA MVP Breanna Stewart led the team in scoring with 19 points, although she faced challenges in shooting efficiency, going 5-for-18 from the field.
Head coach Sandy Brondello acknowledged the team's imperfect performance, stating, 'It was not a very pretty game.' However, she praised her team's ability to overcome adversity and find a way to secure the win, highlighting the chemistry and camaraderie among the players.
The game saw back-and-forth action, with the Liberty initially taking the lead before the Wings fought back to keep the contest close. A late 9-2 run by the Liberty ultimately sealed the victory, showcasing their determination and resilience.
German rookie Leonie Fiebich had a standout performance, scoring a career-high 16 points, while Kayla Thornton and Jonquel Jones contributed significantly to the team's success. Jones recorded her 11th double-double of the season, further solidifying her place as one of the top players in the league.
On the opposing side, Arike Ogunbowale led the Wings with 19 points, supported by Natasha Howard's 16 points. However, turnovers and fouls proved costly for Dallas, as they struggled to contain the Liberty's offensive firepower.
With this win, the Liberty became the first team to secure a postseason berth, further underscoring their status as a formidable contender in the WNBA. Despite facing challenges and not playing their best game, the Liberty's unity and teamwork shone through, setting a positive tone for the remainder of the season.
The defeat drops the Wings to a 6-22 record, tying them for the worst record in the league alongside the Los Angeles Sparks and Washington Mystics. As the regular season progresses, both teams will look to regroup and finish strong in their remaining games.
