(Photo credit: Brandon Todd/NY Liberty)
The New York Liberty went to Connecticut and bounced back after an embarrassing preseason performance against Chicago. They defeated the Connecticut Sun 82-79, following late-game heroics by Jaylyn Sherrod. Sherrod had a steal late in the game, followed by a coast-to-coast go-ahead bucket that put the Liberty up 80-79. She would later sink two clutch free throws to seal the game.
The Liberty shot 53.4% from the field in the win over Connecticut. Last year, when the Liberty shot over 50% from the field, they were 8-0. Sabrina Ionescu led the team with 15 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 assists. Ionescu was also active on defense, recording 2 blocks and 1 steal. Betnijah Laney-Hamilton shot a career-best, 4-4 from three without a miss and finished with 14 points. Marquesha Davis also showed her impact in the midrange, going 4-4.
As the training camp progresses, Coach Sandy Brondello faces the tough challenge of finalizing the team's roster. Despite not seeing preseason action from offseason acquisitions Kennedy Burke and Leonie Fiebich, their potential as key rotational players remains undiminished. Ivana Dojkić also made a case for her inclusion with a commendable performance against the Sun, knocking down 2 three-pointers. Dojkić shot 40% from three and averaged one three-pointer made per game last season.
When questioned about the imminent roster decisions, Coach Brondello emphasized the urgency of the situation: “It’s gonna have to happen soon so we can get that final team together. That decision will probably be made on Saturday.”
The New York Liberty will kick off the 2024 WNBA season on Tuesday, May 14th against the Washington Mystics at 7 pm ET.
NY vs CONN Highlights:
Video courtesy: NY Liberty