Expectations were high for the New York Liberty, one of the most talked-about teams heading into the 2023 WNBA season. When the team lost its preseason games and season opener, people were a little concerned. Then Breanna Stewart turned in a franchise record offensive effort in a win over the Indiana Fever, and the season began in earnest.
Last Saturday, the Liberty returned to home court at Barclays Center and defeated its longtime nemesis, the Connecticut Sun, 81–65. Three Liberty players—Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu, and Courtney Vandersloot—scored in double figures. Last year’s top draft pick, Nyara Sabally, scored her first WNBA baskets in her regular season debut, contributing six points and three rebounds. It was the team’s second annual AAPI Heritage Month game.
Liberty coach Sandy Brondello said the team was sleeping in the first half, but got “a little bit more aggressive” in the second half. “That’s just a mindset,” said Brondello. “The beauty of a veteran team, experienced team: We can make adjustments and they can do what we’re telling them to do. And we had way better execution.”
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Brondello also noted that Kayla Thornton, a forward who joined the Liberty this season after six seasons with the Dallas Wings, played a big role in the win. Thornton had seven rebounds, two assists, and six points in 26½ minutes of play. “I spoke to her in the tunnel on the way back to the locker room and said how important she is to our success,” said Brondello. “She may not take one shot, but she’s still going to be so important because of what she brings.”
The Liberty is currently on the road. The team takes on Vandersloot’s former team, the Chicago Sky, tomorrow, and again on Sunday at Barclays.
The excitement around the WNBA this season has been palpable. Opening weekend had some impressive numbers, including the most viewed opening weekend on WNBA social media and a 24% attendance increase over last year. The opening night game, the Phoenix Mercury versus the Los Angeles Sparks, was the most viewed regular season game on cable in 24 years. PlayStation and the WNBA have announced a multi-year partnership to make PlayStation® the official console and marketing partner of the league. The goal is to elevate women’s sports globally.
