New York Liberty
The Liberty is looking to dethrone Vegas, will it happen?
New York has steamed-rolled the league so far this year. With their longest losing streak being two games, they stand atop the standings at 19-4.
The Liberty had multiple members involved in Olympic Basketball.
Head Coach Sandy Brondello coached Team Australia
Leonie Fiebich played for Team Germany
Sabrina Ionescu played for Team USA
Nyara Sabally played for Team Germany
Breanna Stewart played for Team USA
It will be interesting to see how the Liberty play the first week after the Olympic break considering so many key contributors played during the Olympics.
Key Stats
21-4 straight-up
12-13 ATS
13-12 to the over
85.8 points scored per game
45.3% field goal percentage
34.7% three-point field goal percentage
10.3 three-pointers made per game
83% free throw percentage
7.1 offensive rebounds per game
13.4 turnovers per game
76.8 points allowed per game
42.3% opponent’s field goal percentage
32.8% opponent’s three-point field goal percentage
7.2 three-pointers allowed per game
76.8% opponent’s free throw percentage
8 offensive rebounds allowed per game
13.8 turnovers forced per game
There are not many weaknesses to find within these numbers. One area to point out, how heavily dependent the Liberty are on the three ball. They don’t shoot it at the best percentage but make 10 a game. This could cause issues if they go cold from the outside.
Key Players
Breanna Stewart
Before Caitlin Clark, there was Stewart aka Stewie. Stewart is considered one of the GOATS of women’s basketball. She is in her eighth season and second with New York. The only player ever to be the NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player four times has continued her success in the W.
Stewart is looking for her third WNBA championship, after winning two with Seattle. In those finals, she took home the Finals MVP and has two regular season MVPs on her record.
I can’t wait to see Stewart in the playoffs!
Sabrina Ionescu
The first overall pick in the 2020 draft has lived up to the hype. Known for her long-range shot she also has great slashing ability and averages over six assists a game.
Ionescu finished the first part of the season on a heater. Scoring at least 21 points in five straight games including a thirty-point performance against the Sun on July 16. She knocked down six three-pointers en route to those thirty-points.
Remaining Schedule
New York is in control of its destiny. They currently hold a 2.5-game lead in the race for the number one spot. Their remaining strength of schedule is the second easiest which gives New York a legit chance to host the playoffs.
I do think Minnesota catches them but I’ve been wrong before.
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