Sunday afternoon, the New York Liberty defended their home court against the Atlanta Dream after suffering a disappointing loss to them just days prior. Some were skeptical of the Liberty’s mindset heading into the playoffs losing two of their last three games to close the season, however they answered back in dominating fashion, 83-69. They managed to get back to Liberty-style basketball this weekend by creating multiple turnovers and finding easy opportunities in transition.
“On the defensive end, they were able to get out in transition and get some easy opportunities and looks,” Atlanta Dream head coach Tanisha Wright stated. “So, I think their physicality challenged us, so we have to make that adjustment and understand it’s playoff basketball.”
“On the defensive end, they were able to get out in transition and get some easy opportunities and looks,” @AtlantaDream HC Tanisha Wright stated. “So, I think their physicality challenged us, so we have to make that adjustment and understand it’s playoff basketball.” pic.twitter.com/Gb6TRp72Vg
— John “Woods” Armwood III (@J_Armwood908) September 23, 2024
Not to mention, Liberty rookie guard Leonie Fiebich recorded 21 points, and one assist in 25 minutes. She was named to the AP All-Rookie Team earlier today and led the Liberty offense with a career-high 88% (7-8) shooting from the field and 100% (4-4) shooting from deep to become the first rookie in WNBA history to make at least four three-pointers in a single playoff game without a single miss from beyond the arc.
What Factored into the Liberty Success?
The Liberty made 73% of their field goal attempts in the first quarter against Atlanta, setting a new franchise record for highest field goal percentage in the first quarter of a playoff game all-time. The Liberty’s first miss of the game came at 2:33 of the first quarter against Atlanta. This marks the longest stretch of game time without a missed field goal or free throw to start a postseason game in WNBA history, per Elias Sports Bureau.
“She's great I mean nothing phases Leo it doesn't matter and that's what you love about her, it's a regular season or it's the playoffs, she brings the same mentality day in and day out,” Liberty head coach Sandy Brondello explained. “... Leo is a great defender. but Leo, you know, she started off from Ryan Howard, made it really tough, they couldn't get open on those stagger screens, just by committing to playing defense and playing hard and executing and putting her body on the line.”
What’s Next for the Liberty?
Tuesday night, the Liberty will face the Atlanta Dream at the Barclays Center.