Liberty Dominate Indiana Fever in Blowout Victory!

The New York Liberty (7-2) put on an electrifying performance at Barclays Center on Sunday night, overwhelming the Indiana Fever (2-9) with a commanding 104-68 victory. This win marks the third time this season that the Liberty have bested the Fever, continuing their dominance in the Commissioner’s Cup play.

Star Performances Ignite the Liberty

Five Liberty players scored in double figures, showcasing their depth and versatility. Leading the charge was guard Betnijah Laney-Hamilton with a stellar 20-point performance, adding five assists, two rebounds, and two steals. Jonquel Jones was a force to be reckoned with, recording a double-double of 18 points and a season-high 13 rebounds, along with four assists and two steals. Sabrina Ionescu contributed significantly with 16 points, six rebounds, and six assists. Forward Breanna Stewart solidified the win with 13 points, six rebounds, and five assists. Off the bench, Kennedy Burke added 10 points, three blocks, and three steals, rounding out a complete team effort.

Fever's Bright Spots

Despite the tough loss, there were notable performances from the Fever. Guard Kelsey Mitchell notched a season-high 21 points in 30 minutes of play. Forward NaLyssa Smith continued her impressive run with 17 points, eight rebounds, one assist, and one steal, marking her third consecutive game with 17 or more points and eight or more rebounds. Erica Wheeler, coming off the bench, added seven points, four rebounds, and two assists, bringing her just two points shy of 2,500 career points. Kristy Wallace contributed with six points, two rebounds, one assist, and one steal.

Second Half Surge

The Liberty set the tone early, but it was their explosive second half that sealed the game. Despite both teams scoring 24 points each in the second quarter, New York led 55-37 at halftime. The Fever attempted a comeback with an 8-2 run to start the third quarter, narrowing the gap to 57-45. However, the Liberty responded with a dominant 17-2 run, extending their lead and ensuring the victory.

Unselfish Play and Stellar Attendance

The Liberty's unselfish play was evident as all five starters recorded at least four assists, combining for a total of 30 assists as a team. The thrilling game also drew a remarkable crowd of 17,401 fans, reflecting the Liberty's growing popularity both at home and on the road.

Looking Ahead

Fever: Indiana gets a much-needed break, with their next game scheduled for Friday in Washington.

Liberty: New York hits the road to face the Chicago Sky in a highly anticipated rematch. The Sky handed the Liberty their first loss of the season, and New York will be eager to even the score.

The Liberty's dominant win over the Fever not only highlights their championship aspirations but also sets the stage for an exciting season ahead. Fans can expect more high-energy performances and thrilling matchups as the Liberty continue their quest for WNBA supremacy.