By John “Woods” Armwood III
Sunday evening, the New York Liberty managed to tie the series (1-1) against the Minnesota Lynx in the 2024 WNBA Finals. Despite playing exceptionally in the first game, they allowed the Lynx to surmount a historic comeback victory in overtime, however this performance appeared to be personal. The Liberty crowd (18,046 fans) continues to be a wave of energy that’s difficult for opposing teams to play in front of, but most importantly a weapon for the Liberty. Another sold-out crowd, allowed the Liberty to find moments of energy and momentum in unpromising predicaments. Yet, the resiliency of this team continues to be put on display as they grind another win at home, 80-66.
Liberty star guard Betnijah Laney-Hamilton scored a final career-high 20 points on 57% (8-14) shooting from the field and 67% (4-6) shooting from beyond the arc. Betnijah converted on seven of her first eight attempts from the field against Minnesota and added two rebounds, two assists, and a steal in the win. This game, was her 10th career 15-point scoring performance with New York in the playoffs.
“I think it gives me a little bit of momentum, as we continue to go through the series,” Laney-Hamilton explained. “It felt really good because I know I’ve been struggling: physically and mentally as I’ve been going through everything. So, to see a glimpse of what I’m capable of it felt really good.”
@nyarasabally
— John “Woods” Armwood III (@J_Armwood908) October 14, 2024
“I mean obviously a deep bench is always beneficial, specifically in a series like this."
ft. @BetnijahLaney
“I think it gives me a little bit of momentum, as we continue to go through the series. ..So, to see a glimpse of what I’m capable of it felt really good.” pic.twitter.com/tIPP3G8T9X
New York Liberty Back to Full Form
The Liberty returning to rare form was essential in a must-win at home. The Liberty defense began the game with steals on Minnesota’s first two possessions in the opening quarter and forced the Lynx, who averaged 11.6 turnovers per game this postseason entering Game 2, into 10 turnovers in each half. Most importantly, the bench of the Liberty managed to bring new energy to the court once it appeared the team became stagnant. While the offense took time to develop, the defense dictated most of the game and allowed the Liberty to eventually find their rhythm,
“It’s important, I mean obviously a deep bench is always beneficial, specifically in a series like this where every play matters,” Liberty center Nyara Sybally stated.
One of the X-factors of the series is Liberty star center Jonquel Jones. Oftentimes, when she’s aggressive she helps enforce their presence in the paint and puts opposing teams in foul trouble. Her size and height allow her to be more physically imposing than other bigs around the league. Sunday evening, Jones managed to put the Lynx’s best player, Napheesa Collier, in foul trouble. Ultimately, this changed the game for both the Liberty and the Lynx contrary to what Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve explained.
"I don't think it affected the game, I’m not sure if affected her play,” Reeve stated. “I mean Phee [Napheesa Collier] can answer that, but you know it was a chance to get her three minutes of rest at the end of the quarter. Then, she eventually went back in, so it didn’t affect us.”
@minnesotalynx ft. @LynxCoachReeve
— John “Woods” Armwood III (@J_Armwood908) October 14, 2024
"I don't think it affected the game, I’m not sure if affected her play,” Reeve stated. “... It was a chance to get her three minutes of rest at the end of the quarter. Then, she eventually went back in, so it didn’t affect us.”#WNBAFinals pic.twitter.com/PMSRezOd5u
Jones finished with 14 points and nine rebounds on 46% (6-13) shooting from the field to go along with two steals. Jonquel passed Sylvia Fowles for seventh on the WNBA’s all-time postseason rebounding list (427), while also surpassing Maya Moore in offensive rebounds in WNBA Finals history (51).
What’s Next for Liberty?
The Liberty will face the Minnesota Lynx on Wednesday, October 16 at 8:00 PM ET at Target Center for Game 3 of the 2024 WNBA Finals.