Coming off the holiday weekend, the New York Liberty faced the Phoenix Mercury once again at Barclays Center. This time around, injuries didn’t hold Phoenix back as Brittney Griner and Diana Taurasi both suited up for the game. Looking to steal a win after losing to NY in June, Phoenix tried to set the pace as Moriah Jefferson drained a three-pointer to open the game. New York, however, quickly responded with a three-pointer by Sabrina Ionesco, and another by Breanna Stewart. New York’s rapid-fire offense and scrappy defense would have a tremendous impact on the game.
By the end of the first quarter, Brianna Stewart already had eleven points, while Taurasi remained scoreless, and BG had a mere two points. The barrage of offensive shooting continued on in the second quarter where New York shot as high as 66.7% from the three-point line, fueled by Stewart’s hot hand. She ended the first half with 19 points as the home crowd chanted “MVP” every time she hit the free throw line.
Looking to turn things around in the second half, Diana Taurasi took matters into her own hands, responding to every Liberty bucket with one of her own. New York’s transition game, however, was just too efficient, as Stewart and Ionesco capitalized off a few fast breaks, putting their team ahead by as much as 16 points. From Griner getting boo’ed at the free-throw line, to Stewart reaching 36 points midway through the fourth quarter, the final stretch was intense. Especially on the defensive end for New York. With a minute left in the game and the score at 96-94 (Liberty with a two-point lead), New York executed a beautiful defense sequence that lead to a Phoenix turnover.
Even with the defensive intensity on high, Phoenix kept their composure, cutting the Liberty lead to just one point.
Clutch, indeed.
Breanna Stewart came up big with a drive to the basket and a lay-up that gave Liberty a 98-95 lead with just 18.4 seconds left in the game. Phoenix took their final timeout but couldn’t deliver on their final play, missing a critical shot. Stewart would be would with 3.7 seconds left on the clock, and she’d make one of two shots.
99-96, final. Liberty win.
In the post-game conference, Breanna made it clear that the team has each other’s back, especially when a game comes down to the wire. “We believe in each other and continue to trust in each other.” On BG’s return, Stewart also added that they were all “happy to have her back in the WNBA,” and that she is “a lot to handle in a game every night.”
Great sportsmanship, and an even greater game, ladies.
The New York Liberty take on the Seattle Storm tomorrow, July 8, at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Tip off is at 2 a.m. EST.
