After back-to-back losses, the New York Liberty returned to Barclays Center intent on proving their mettle. It wasn’t easy—well, maybe the 104–68 romp over the Indiana Fever was not quite as hard—but by the time the team headed out for a three-game road trip, the Liberty were solidly back in a winning state of mind.
Let’s talk about that winning streak. First, came a tough tangle with the Phoenix Mercury on May 29, from which the Liberty emerged with an 81–78 victory. Let’s just say Diana Taurasi is intent on making the U.S. Olympic team and achieving a historic sixth gold medal and she’s proving her skills this WNBA season. Then came a 90–79 win over the Washington Mystics. For that game, the Liberty were without Courtney Vandersloot, who was nursing a sore back. It was the first Liberty start for forward Kayla Thornton, who came up big with 20 points.
“My coaches had me work on things when I went overseas,” said Thornton after the 20-point game. “I did that, brought it back and incorporated it with our system. Just being confident.”
On Sunday, the Liberty took on the Fever in the team’s first Commissioner’s Cup game of the season. Vandersloot returned to the lineup, contributing nine points and seven assists. The game marked 2,000 career points for Betnijah Laney-Hamilton. Liberty newbie Kennedy Burke—who previously played with the Fever, Seattle Storm and Washington Mystics as well as overseas—had 10 points, three steals and three blocks.
“As I prepare, just knowing where my spots are and getting there,” said Laney-Hamilton following Sunday’s win. “Continuing to stay ready for the moment and making the most out of my opportunity.”
Jonquel Jones continues to have a good season. She had a double-double in the Liberty’s win over the Fever, with 18 points and 13 rebounds. “When I have the ball, I pride myself on making the right plays and doing whatever is best for the team,” said Jones.
“When we’re playing great defense and pushing in transition, that looks great for us,” said Liberty coach Sandy Brondello. “We continue to work on the spacing. … When we’re sharing it and playing selflessly, that’s beautiful basketball.”
The Liberty take on the Atlanta Dream tonight and the Connecticut Sun on Saturday before returning home to face the Washington Mystics at Barclays Center on Sunday afternoon.
