This matchup between New York Liberty and Connecticut Sun is something many of us have been waiting on all post-season. In the regular season, New York dominated every game against Connecticut. But we all know the Playoffs are a whole different beast. Coming into the first game of the semi-finals, yesterday, New York may have had the hot hand but Connecticut came in with the experience as well as the defense, and we all know that helps win games.
“It’s 0-0 when it comes to playoffs. We didn’t think about the regular season. It’s a new season,” Bonner said.
The Sun’s defensive efforts were led by DeWanna Bonner who also contributed 20 points as well as a blocked shot against former teammate, Jonquel Jones. The intensity between these two rival teams in the opening match-up has definitely set the tone for the remainder of the series.
New Yorkers, however, have always been known for their resilience and the Liberty embodied that. Their relentless effort on both ends of the court afforded them a three-point lead at halftime. They even got within 53-48. But the threes came pouring down from former Liberty, Rebecca Allen, who was traded as part of the Jones deal. It was Allen’s fourth three-pointer of the game.
Breanna Stewart led the Liberty, finishing with 19 points, and delivered a motivational message during her post-game conference interview. “We’ll bounce back Tuesday,” she proclaimed. Coach Sandy Brondello also offered up some insight: “We came out really slow in the first quarter and in the third quarter. It’s been happening in the last few games and I think it’s mindset.”
A reset with a clear mindset is definitely what the Liberty will need, to avoid going 0-2 when it’s time to head into Mohegan Sun Arena. Game 02 is in Brooklyn tomorrow, 9/26, at 8 p.m. ET.
Check out the full game highlights below.
