The 99-86 victory the New York Liberty had against the Minnesota Lynx was a brief demonstration of how good the Libs can be when they hit on all cylinders. On the offensive end, Breanna Stewart had the force of a wrecking ball, scoring 16 of her 36 points in the first quarter. Not only did she score it in a variety of ways, but she missed only five shots during the evening. It was, as our Brian Fleurantin wrote, the best game of the season for the Brooklynites.
On the defensive end, the Liberty shined just as bright. Playing against a team with elite superstars in Olivia Miles and Natasha Howard, New York forced the two superstars to a combined 8-of-26 from the field. When you can force two All Star starters to shoot just at 30% from the field, that can definitely give you confidence to shut down any team that stands in your way.
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In fact, that same confidence will be put to the test tonight as the Liberty will take on the Dallas Wings at Barclays Center. With the Wings. With both teams currently sitting with a record of 13-8, New York will look to use every advantage they have to take the fourth seed away from the Wings. They will be challenged by a couple more All Star starters in Paige Bueckers and Jessica Shepard.
Where To Watch
Catch the action at 8:00 p.m. ET on ESPN and FUBO TV.
Injuries
Satou Sabally will be out another game due to concussion protocol. Leonie Fiebich will also be a game time decision with left foot soreness.
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All clear for Dallas.
The Game
Compared to the rest of the WNBA, you can easily make an argument that the Dallas Wings have some of the best individual talent in the WNBA.
It all starts with Paige Bueckers, of course, but it doesn’t end there.
Someone who has helped Bueckers take on the star role for this team has been newly acquired Jessica Shepard, who I believe should always be on triple double watch. Set to make her All Star debut this season, Shepard’s versatility arguably makes her the most dangerous player on the court. The Liberty will have to keep her off the boards, with her 11.4 rebounds per game being the second most in the league as of now.
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Tagging on backcourt mates in Arike Ogunbowale and first overall pick of this year Azzi Fudd, Dallas’ offense pose as a threat for the Liberty on their home plate.
But on the defensive end, the Wings’ lack of rim protection can allow the Liberty to not only get chances deep into the paint, but the opportunity to drive and kick to open shooters. Sabrina and Pauline will be key in doing this, as they both have the ability to create off the dribble at will.
If the Liberty can capitalize off of this weakness and still play defense the way they did against Minnesota, Barclays might in for a treat.
Player to Watch
Page Bueckers is currently averaging 20 points and 6 assists with 52/39/84 shooting splits, making 50/40/90 a solid possibility. Ever since entering UCONN’s campus, she had been a superstar with much attention being drawn to her. But no matter the moment, she has always performed under the bright lights when called upon, and they have not changed since she got drafted as the first overall pick a year ago.
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Tonight could be a big night for her in her quest for an MVP award, as Jeremy Beren of Sporting News reports. Not just about beating the Liberty who are on a roll but setting an individual W record.
Bueckers can bolster her case by recording a sixth successive game with at least 20 points on 50 percent shooting or better.
Bueckers can pass the Hall of Fame guard Katie Smith for the most such consecutive games in the history of the WNBA. Smith had five games in a row with 20-plus points on 50 percent shooting or greater during the 2003 season.
And here’s another number from that Sporting News report: The Wings score 121.1 points per 100 possessions when she is on the floor, which ranks seventh in the WNBA among players who have played at least 500 minutes. Her individual achievements carry.
From the Vault
From the 1970s on, few groups had the resounding success (pun intended) the Village People had, from the disco era through the 2000’s, their big hits part of the American and worldwide party culture. At the center of the group was their band’s helmeted and mustachioed police officer, Victor Willis, who co-wrote their biggest hits, “Y.M.C.A,” ″Macho Man” and “In the Navy,” all icons of not just Disco but the cross-over popularity of gay-themed entertainment. Willis, 74, died last week.
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Sing it one more time…
https://www.youtube.com/<a href="https://www.amazon.in/s?k=watch&tag=proffercoupon-21" rel="nofollow sponsored" class="amazon-affiliate-link" target="_blank">watch</a>?v=CS9OO0S5w2k
More reading: Mavs Moneyball, Swish Appeal, Breakaway, SB Nation, Women’s Basketball Roundup, The Local W, New York Daily News, No Cap Space, New York Post, Newsday, The Athletic, NY Liberty Fan TV, Fansided, The Stomp, Just Women’s Sports,Winsidr, Her Hoop Stats, Yahoo Sports, ESPN, CBS Sports, and The IX Basketball
