Big Points Off The Bench For Courtney
Photo: Special to the Ny Beacon
By Shara Talia Taylor
Another Solid Playoff Game For Sabrina
Photo: Special to the NY Liberty
The New York Liberty go on the road, up 2-0, after an 88-84 victory over the Las Vegas Aces in Game 2 of the WNBA Semi-Finals Tuesday night.
It wasn’t an easy task as the Liberty took on the 2023 WNBA Champions, who returned ready to play with more intensity after Game 1. New York rose to the occasion at home in the Barclays Center with teamwork as they were led by Sabrina Ionescu and Coach Sandy Brondello.
“They came out swinging playing really aggressive and to be able to see how we just stuck together and chipped away quarter by quarter, making big plays when we needed to,” Ionescu said. “Now we have a great opportunity to take that first one in their home court.”
Ionescu led the Liberty with 24 points and nine total rebounds. She had five assists and one steal.
Coach Brondello said in her pregame interview that she wanted to go to Las Vegas 2-up “We had a great start last game,” she said in her pregame interview. “We’re going to come out with that same energy, whether whatever they’re going to bring to us.”
The first quarter in Tuesday’s game wasn’t as successful for the Liberty as it was in game 1 against the Aces. New York was ahead 28-21 at the end of the first quarter in game 1, but trailed 27-22 at the end of the first quarter on Tuesday.
Courtney Vandersloot helped keep New York afloat in the first quarter. She came off the bench with seven points and one steal as she took advantage of the opportunities in the first quarter. “I wanted to be aggressive coming out in the game,” she said. “I think I was a little bit passive in the first game just passing up some open shots or open opportunities to get downhill and I think that was just a mindset.”
Vandersloot added 12 total points, one assist, and one block in addition to her steal in the first quarter.
The Liberty kept their energy and finished ahead of the Aces in both the second and third quarters. New York started to lose their lead in the fourth quarter. Kayla Thornton said Coach Brondello told them to stay focused during this time. “Stay locked-in, Thornton said coach Brondello emphasized. “Rebound. Get on the boards and just stay together.”
Brondello made two important challenges to the referees’ calls that was also instrumental in the outcome of the game.
Jonquel Jones added 14 points and eight total rebounds. Breanna Stewart added 15 points and led the team with eight assists. She made two free throws to close out the game.
The Liberty will next face the Aces in Las Vegas Friday, October 4th and Sunday October 6th in their best-of-five game series.
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