The New York Liberty stepped onto the court in Game 2 of the WNBA Finals with more than just basketball on their minds. They found themselves at a crossroads ahead of Game 2 of the WNBA Finals. After a tough loss in Game 1, there was a sense of urgency, a burning desire to make things right. Breanna Stewart, the star forward, made it clear what was at stake. "We want to get this franchise the first ever championship," she said. "And you don’t do that by only doing the easy things or saying the easy things." Her words set the tone for the team, pushing them to fight with all they had.
Facing the Minnesota Lynx, the Liberty knew history was against them. No team in WNBA history had ever come back from being down 0-2 in the Finals to win the championship. So, they had to give everything they had to win this game. And win they did, defeating the Lynx 80-66 and leveling the series to 1-1. This win was not just about leveling the score; it was a statement that the Liberty were here to play and ready to battle for their first championship.
The game had its hero in Betnijah Laney-Hamilton. Before this clash, she had been averaging just 5.6 points, but Game 2 saw her step up in a big way, scoring a crucial 20 points. It was a breakout performance, and it couldn't have come at a better time for the Liberty.
Coach Brondello spoke on Betnijah’s performance, “They contained Leo after game 1 so it was nice that B stepped up"
Alongside Laney-Hamilton's offensive efforts, Breanna Stewart was a force on defense, racking up steals and making sure the Lynx found it hard to score. Then there was Leonie Fiebich, who hit a wild shot that helped close out the win and bring joy to the roaring fans.
The Liberty set the game's tone early with their defense. Right from the start, they were aggressive, getting steals on Minnesota’s first two possessions. The energy was electric, and the crowd at Barclays Center matched it. The venue was packed beyond its regular capacity of 17,732, making history with 18,046 fans. This was the first time the Liberty sold standing-room-only tickets, and the excitement was palpable. Among the crowd were celebrities like Fat Joe, rapper Jadakiss, Jennifer Hudson, Common, and UCONN coach Geno Auriemma, all adding to the night's star-studded affair.
The Liberty's passing game was on point, as they tied a team Finals record with 10 assists in the first quarter alone. This kind of teamwork led to several big scoring runs, showing why they are known for their ability to score in bunches. During the regular season, they set a record for the most runs of 10 or more consecutive points, and they brought that same energy into this game.
Even when Minnesota cut the lead to just 2 points in the fourth quarter, the Liberty kept their cool. Sabrina Ionescu led the charge with 12 points in the first quarter, the highest-scoring opening quarter by a Liberty player in Finals history. While she was quieter in the second half offensively, her defense was crucial. One key moment was when she put intense pressure on Courtney Williams, forcing a turnover that led to a Leonie Fiebich three-pointer, which sealed the victory.
Sabrina spoke about the team's approach to the Lynx’s small-ball lineup: “It worked pretty well for us... It's a series, a chess match.” Her words highlighted the strategic nature of the game and the need to adapt and outthink the opponent.
Breanna Stewart was unstoppable, scoring 21 points and setting a Finals record with seven steals. Her performance was not just about numbers; it was about leadership and determination. She became the second player ever in WNBA Finals history to record at least 20 points, five rebounds, five assists, and five steals in one game.
After the game, Stewart shared her mindset: “The moment the game ended Thursday night, I was looking forward to Sunday... this team has my back every step of the way.” Her words showed the unity and support within the team, a crucial factor in their success.
Betnijah Laney-Hamilton, who had her best Finals game yet, was quick to thank her teammates for their support: “My teammates. Just continuing to trust in me as I was finding a way back to feeling myself.” Her performance was a testament to the team's depth and ability to step up when needed.
Despite Minnesota’s adjustments to contain her, Leonie Fiebich still managed to make an impact with a critical basket. Coach Brondello was thrilled with the team’s effort and focus: "The pace and effort... we held Minnesota to 27 points in the 2H, that's pretty good."
With Game 3 in Minnesota looming, the Liberty know they have to keep up the momentum. Breanna Stewart expressed confidence, saying, "We embrace it, we like it when it's loud and difficult... Not getting too high or too low." Her words captured the team’s readiness to face challenges head-on, no matter the setting.
Sunday’s victory marked only the third win for the Liberty in their WNBA Finals history, but it was a powerful statement of their determination to fight for their first championship. The team showed grit, talent, and heart, leaving fans eager for what’s next in this exciting series.
Game Highlights: https://youtu.be/BnGHrvdPXfc?si=niyu6vMmNvNJ2O9C
Post Game Presser: https://youtu.be/xle3f4mPzaM?si=zZLAN0iaZB8mgD6R
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