New York Liberty Clinches Playoff Berth Despite Loss
The New York Liberty women’s basketball team secured their place in the WNBA playoffs on Tuesday night, although not in the way they had hoped. The qualification came thanks to the help of the Phoenix Mercury, despite the Liberty’s loss. The Liberty fell to the Golden State Valkyries with a score of 66-58, but the Indiana Fever’s loss to the Mercury guaranteed them a playoff spot.New York had struggled to secure its place in the playoffs in its previous three opportunities, losing games and depending on outside results. The team did not focus on those details before the game against Golden State. The Liberty has had an irregular season, losing four of their last six games, as they seek to defend their 2024 title. With only three games remaining in the regular season, the team is looking to regain health, improve chemistry, and achieve more consistent performances. In the match against the Valkyries, the team showed deficiencies in several aspects.We lost the game. Yes, we are in the playoffs, but we still lost the game.
Sandy Brondello, Liberty Coach
Despite leading by four points at the end of the first quarter, the Liberty was outscored 26-8 in the second, committing five turnovers and having a poor 3-point shooting percentage. They went into halftime with a 14-point deficit. The Liberty, known for its 3-point defense, allowed the Valkyries to find their offensive rhythm, with Kate Martin scoring the team’s first three 3-point attempts in the second quarter.This has been disappointing, overall. We have three games remaining and we’re not where we need to be. It’s frustrating, it’s difficult.
Breanna Stewart, Liberty Player
Sabrina Ionescu missed her third consecutive game due to a left big toe injury, and Nyara Sabally was also absent. The Liberty has only had its full roster in two games this season and has used 16 different starting lineups.It’s the story of our season right now. When we have to take the ball out of the net, we struggle. We gave up 26 points [in the second quarter] and our spacing wasn’t good. We had good opportunities and we just missed.
Breanna Stewart, Liberty Player
Coach Brondello added that she trusts the team, especially with Sabrina’s return, and that they need to win now.We haven’t lived up to our expectations, and yes, obviously, injuries have been part of that. We’ve played with so many different rotations, and as a team we’re not always cohesive due to the lack of time together, but that’s not an excuse.
Sandy Brondello, Liberty Coach
