The New York Liberty showcased their dominance in the WNBA with a 79-71 victory over the Dallas Wings at Barclays Center on Thursday, marking their eighth consecutive win. This triumph solidifies the Liberty’s position at the top of the Eastern Conference with an impressive 25-4 record, their best start through 29 games in franchise history.
Leading the charge for New York was two-time WNBA MVP Breanna Stewart, who scored a joint game-high 19 points despite struggling with her shooting, finishing 5-for-18 from the field and 0-for-3 from beyond the arc. Stewart also contributed nine free throws, seven rebounds, six assists, and three steals. Despite being without key players Sabrina Ionescu and Betnijah Laney-Hamilton due to injuries, the Liberty managed to secure the win.
New York’s head coach, Sandy Brondello, acknowledged the team’s grit in the face of adversity. “It was not a very pretty game,” Brondello said. “We didn’t shoot the ball well and we were down a few key players, but we found a way to win and I think that shows a lot about a team.” The Liberty shot just 35.1% from the field but demonstrated resilience by having four players score in double figures.
The game began with the Liberty taking an early 9-3 lead, powered by Stewart’s six points in the first four minutes. However, the Dallas Wings rallied to take a 17-14 lead by the end of the first quarter. New York regained control in the second quarter, leading by three points at halftime. The Liberty started the second half strong with a 7-0 run, highlighted by a significant offensive rebound and putback by Kayla Thornton.
Despite a strong push from the Wings, who took a 56-55 lead with 6:47 remaining in the game thanks to an Arike Ogunbowale three-point play, New York’s late 9-2 run ensured their victory. The win not only extended the Liberty’s winning streak but also secured their spot as the first team to clinch a postseason berth this season.
German rookie Leonie Fiebich made a notable impact with a career-high 16 points, matching Thornton’s contribution. Jonquel Jones also had a standout performance, recording 13 points and 13 rebounds for her 11th double-double of the season and the 90th of her career, placing her among the elite players in WNBA history.
For the Wings, Ogunbowale, who ranks third in the league in points per game, led her team with 19 points. Natasha Howard added 16 points but also struggled with turnovers, committing seven of Dallas’ 14 turnovers before fouling out. The loss pushes the Wings to a 6-22 record, tying them for the worst record in the WNBA with the Los Angeles Sparks and Washington Mystics.
In summary, the New York Liberty’s victory over the Dallas Wings not only extended their winning streak but also highlighted their ability to persevere through challenging circumstances. With key players stepping up and maintaining strong team chemistry, the Liberty continue to set the standard in the WNBA as they head towards the postseason.
