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Washington Mystics Gear Up for 2024 Season with Tons of Questions to Answer

If there was some sort of award for heart and resilience and grit that award would go to the 2023 Washington Mystics. One of these days there maybe a Hollywood movie made about how the 2023 squad was able to endure the injuries, were able to endure the uncertainty and then be able to stand at the Barclays Center and go up against the New York Liberty in the 2023 WNBA Playoffs.

There aren’t that many teams that can stand tall after losing names such as Elena Delle Donne, Ariel Atkins, Shakira Austin and Kristi Toliver to injury, never mind being able to play in the Playoffs.
But the Washington Mystics did just that thanks to the play of Natasha Cloud, Brittney Sykes, and Tianna Hawkins to only name a few.

Not only that but they are getting to see the growth and development of players such as Queen Egbo, looking impressive after the midseason trade from Indiana and Li Meng, a huge part of the team from the first day and acclimating to a completely new culture and league.

In the two games against the New York Liberty the Mystics played very well, heck the ladies even held the lead at one point in time. Even more impressive is the way that the Mystics played defensively as it seemed as if there were arms clogging up the middle of the key and thus making the New York Liberty score from beyond the three-point arc.

Washington Mystics fans are encouraged to check out the following video as all the players along with Coach E and General Manager Mike Thibault share these thoughts from the team’s end of the year press conference….video is compliments of the Washington Mystics:


Then in Game Two the intensity from the team picked up to an even higher level, as the ladies fought back and tied things up in the Second Half of play and eventually forced an Overtime Frame.
In probably one of the more memorable performances in the history of the W, Mystics Guard Natasha Cloud brought her villain, and her dog scored a career-high 33 points, in addition to nine assists, six rebounds and four steals.

The performance, which is tailor made for any Hollywood production studio, set a single-game playoff record for points and thus inserting Clouds name as one of the best Guards in the WNBA.

In addition to her on court performance one of the things that captured the imagination of W fans everywhere is the bond that was built between her and newcomer Brittney Sykes, having herself one heck of a WNBA Season in the Washington D.C. Area.

One could just tell that they had a genuine bond and connection and even were able to connect on one of the most memorable moments of the 2023 Washington Mystics season when Cloud sent a pass to Sykes on September the 10th, as Slim was able to hit the game-winning shot for the team’s eventual 90-88 victory to end the regular season play.

There were so many feel good stories on the team, but now all of that hangs in the air as the franchise has four-that is right four free agents determine where their future is going to be in the W.

One such name determining her fate is Elena Delle Donne, as she has battled so much between her back injurie, to put into words appropriately the impact that Delle Donne has made in the Mystics overall as a franchise and in the Washington D.C., community is that of legendary status.

In addition, Cloud, Hawkins and Toliver are all unrestricted free agents and are going to take some time to process the team’s early exit from the WNBA Playoffs and determine where the future for all of them are going to be.

One of the things that has been stated by one Natasha Cloud is how coming from a place like Saint Joseph’s the Mystics were the team that gave her the chance to play in the W and stood by her and supported her as she has helped to elevate the sport of the WNBA and Women’s Sports in General to another level all together.

Speaking with a grace and eloquence about a ton of heavy issues, Cloud is a great ambassador to the squad and with her most recent history making performance it is going to be interesting to see what exactly happens to Natasha during the free agency period.

As for Tianna the forward has stepped up in leaps and bounds in providing some memorable moments with the squad. Hawkins finished up the regular season with 8.2 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 0.8 steals.

As for Toliver aka Panda there are so many attributes including that of leadership and memorable shots during her time with the Mystics, so all of these are going to be highly emotional moves as the franchise decides how to shape and mold the 2024 edition of the squad.

For now, though there are a ton of emotions for all of them to process after a tough second round exit, as the team says their goodbyes and either readies themselves for overseas play, or rehab, or what their next step during the offseason is going to be.

Either way though the 2023 Washington Mystics is going to go down as one of the more memorable teams in the WNBA, one that is fun to watch, showing a true heart, grit and passion for the game all season long.

For more information on the Washington Mystics fans are encouraged to click on the link seen here:

Homepage – Washington Mystics (wnba.com)

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New York City FC Earn Big Win at Citi Field against Orlando City SC

Looking to keep their playoff hopes alive New York City FC (7-10-13) approached the pitch at Citi Field and thus far having played positive minutes without finding the results. With a day of fun and festivities as the team hosted Noche Latina night the Boys in Blue were able to find the right combination to earn a huge 2-0 victory and keep the playoff hopes alive.

Getting the scoring going for NYCFC is Mounsef Bakrar as he was able to tally his first-ever goal at Citi Field. The goal is his third in the last four matches and thus far whenever Bakrar scores the guys tend to do well as the team has a record of 3W-0L-1D.

Also, a good sign for the squad is the fact that when leading at halftime, NYCF is unbeaten in their last 11 games in regular season play and currently the team’s record against Orlando all-time stands at 9W-9D-7L.

Scoring the game-winner for the squad is Talles Magno, as he came from the bench in the 59th minute and made an immediate impact by scoring the goal.

For Magno the goal is his first in 150 days, as the last time he was able to find the back of the net was in April 22, that was when FC Dallas visited Citi Field.

New York City FC fans are encouraged to check out the following video featuring thoughts from Head Coach Nick Cushing shares his thoughts on the team’s victory against Orlando City SC…video is compliments of NYCFC:


There were also a ton of other memorable moments as Midfielder Andres Jasson was able to contribute his first assist of the season. In the cage Goalkeeper Matt Freese was able to get his third clean sheet of the regular season.

The next few matches for the Boys in Blue are going to be huge, as the team is closing out their five-game homestand on Saturday, September 23 against Toronto FC at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey. Kick off between NYCFC and Toronto FC is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

For more information on New York City FC fans are encouraged to click on the link seen here:

New York City FC (nycfc.com)

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New York Liberty are Semis Bound in OT Victory against Mystics

The race to the Semifinals is on as the New York Liberty faced the Washington Mystics in Game 2 of Round One on Tuesday night at the Barclays Center. It was the Liberty securing their spot in the Second Round by defeating Mystics 90-85, in what was a very close game with teams tying four times and the game going into Overtime. 

Fans are encouraged to check out Episode Four of the New York Liberty Chat with Kim Dillinger along with a look at both teams warming up before Game 2 by clicking here:

“Understanding that it is a game of mismatches. Basketball is like a game of chess. They make a move; we make a move.  So, we make necessary changes to be successful,” said Jonquel Jones of how the game of Basketball is about strategy.

Liberty locked in on the defense double teaming and sometimes triple teaming Mystics players.

As for the team’s scoring one of the starts is JJ with her 12th double double of the season as she scored 19 points, 14 rebounds. After a turning the ball over she had to redeem herself. Jones was fouled with 12.6 seconds scored both shots and send the game into Overtime. 

Fans are also encouraged to check out the following photos from Game Two by checking out the Gallery Below….photos are by: Stacy Podelski/1495Sports:

“I definitely think just from the beginning of our whole journey, I felt like this team was special and was going to be able to do a lot of special things,” said JJ after the game.

With the Mystics having a tough year with numerous injuries from starters Elena Delle Donne, Ariel Atkins and Shakira Austin. Mystics fought to the end, showing heart, tenacity along with a stellar defensive effort but it wasn’t enough to hold the Liberty. 

One of the players returning from injury is Myisha Hines-Allen and she shares her thoughts on the Playoff match against the Liberty and her road to recovery along with how her resilience built during rehab can help during her WNBA Career:

Natasha Cloud had a bone to pick with Sabrina Ionescu and overall hoping to help her lead her team by keeping them in the game. Playing a stellar defensive game Cloud made it extremely difficult for Ionescu to score. 

In addition, Cloud showed off why she is one of the best point guards in the WNBA by scoring a career high of 33 points. Cloud got a little emotional during the press conference after the game in light of losing against the Liberty.

“I was going to be a villain and I was going to be a dog tonight,” Cloud said about her stepping up in Game 2. “I was going to stay on Sabrina for as much as I could.”

To see more thoughts from Cloud along with Head Coach Eric Thibault, Elena Delle Donne by checking out the video below….compliments of the Washington Mystics:

As for the Liberty with the Barclays Center rocking in Game Two, as the crowd chanted MVP anytime Breanna Stewart stepped on the free throw line.

Game Two is going to go down as one of the more memorable nights in Brooklyn, as the visualization of those white towels swinging in the air along with the energy from the crowd kept the momentum going. The New York Liberty feed off of that energy and wanted to secure this win for the fans. 

Stewart is 7-0 against the Mystics ending the game with 27 points, nine rebounds, three blocks, two assists, and two steals. Laney 19 points on 52.9% (m, three assists, and two rebounds. 11 points, nine rebounds, five assists, and two steals for Sabrina Inosecu 

“There was highs and lows, and we knew it was going to be emotional. Obviously, D.C. is going to go out swinging and go out with whatever they have, and we stayed the course. No matter what, we didn’t stop playing until the final buzzer, and we came away with the win,” said Breanna after the game. 

To see more of what Stewart along with Head Coach Sandy Brondello and Jonquel Jones had to say about the team’s victory along with Kim’s thoughts on the team’s Game Two victory fans are encouraged to check out the video below…the New York Liberty Post Game Press Conference is compliments of the New York Liberty:

There were a ton of other memorable moments and appearances in the night as Tony Sunshine, Bronx Native graced fans with a performance in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month. A slew celebrities showed up for the Liberty including Fat Joe, Performing artist Fabulous, and WNBA Legend Sue Bird.

One of the coolest parts of the day is the fact that The Brooklyn Public Library also provided free children’s Spanish books and have guest s chance to sign up for library cards. 

After an exciting and memorable game, the Liberty moves on the Semis on Sunday, September 24 and are waiting to see the winner of the series between Minnesota or Connecticut. Game One is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. at the Barclays Center

For more information on the New York Liberty fans are encouraged to click on the link seen here:

Home – New York Liberty (wnba.com)

For more information on the Washington Mysitcs fans are encouraged to click on the link seen here:

Homepage – Washington Mystics (wnba.com)

 

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Big Day for Gotham FC as Gonzalez leads the way in Victory against the Spirit

With a rocking atmosphere at Red Bull Arena and a chance to get themselves an optimal position in the NWSL Playoffs it was Gotham FC taking on the Washington Spirit on Saturday Night.

Fans of Gotham FC were in for a treat as the team’s new #9 in Esther González made her debut with her new team and at the Red Bull Arena in Harrison NJ where 6,202 fans poured in to see 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup Champion.

The day as a whole featured a ton of fun and festivities as Before the game Fans were also in for a treat ahead of the game. There were different stations set up for the fans to enjoy, including one where those in attendance could get a photo with Gotham FC Investor along with Two Time Superbowl Champion and New York Giants Great Eli Manning.

Getting back to the in-game action the first half saw a ton of strategy by both squads, as both teams finished the first half in a scoreless draw.

When it comes time for having the first half scoreless, Gotham FC has gone scoreless in the first half 15 of the last 19 regular season matches, while the Spirit has gone scoreless in four consecutive matches.

There were plenty of great scoring opportunities by Gotham FC as they recorded eight shots, along with, 24 touches in the opponent, and 35 final third entries, while the Spirit recorded only two shots, six touches in the opponent box, and 17 final third entries.

Then it was in the second half of play that the Gotham FC offense started to get themselves fired up and thanks in part to the team’s new #9, scoring two goals for an eventual 2-0 victory. González scored the first goal in the second half of the game which got Red Bull Arena Rocking. The second goal came shortly after a pass for Lynn Williams’ to González.

As for the Spirit they saw some stellar play from Aubrey Kingsbury, Ashley Hatch and Trinity Rodman.

“It’s not easy joining a new team, coming to another country. I don’t understand the language,” González said in Spanish after the match. “So, I’m really satisfied with what I’ve achieved. … I’m super grateful. I am very happy, really, every single day I go to training.”

“With that many people here with us they were fantastic, they were pushing the team. They supported us the whole time and we were very, very pleased that we were able to do that for them (play well),” said Head Coach Juan Carlos Amoros. ” During the course of the game, I think we dominated from the start to the finish. I think the team was in control of the game and played very well.”

With the Victory Gotham FC currently holds the third spot in the NWSL standings with an 8-5-6 overall record, meanwhile the Washington Spirit are in sixth place with an 6-5-8 record.

Up next for Gotham FC the ladies are going to next be in action on October 1, when they host the Houston Dash in NWSL action at Red Bull Arena. Start time between Gotham FC and the Dash is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

As for the Spirit the ladies look to rebound at Audi Field on Saturday, September 30 as they host the Kansas City Current. Start time between the Spirit and Current is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.

For more information on Gotham FC fans are encouraged to click on the link seen here:

NJ/NY Gotham FC

For more information on the Washington Spirit fans are encouraged to click on the link seen here:

Washington Spirit

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Catterall and Linares Set to Thrill Fans in October

Boxing fans are going to be in for a treat as Matchroom Boxing presents Jack Catterall taking on Jorge Linares at the M&S Bank Arena Liverpool on Saturday October 21, live worldwide on DAZN.

Catterall is going to be defending his WBA Title against the multi-weight World Champion Jorge Linares in a 140 clash. Recently Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn hosted a special ePress Conference that featured both fighters along with their management Sam Jones and Roberto Diaz.

It is going to be an epic night for those boxing fans as Catterall (27-1, 13 KOs) is going to challenge for gold, while also looking to rebound after his controversial loss to former undisputed Super-Lightweight World Champion Josh Taylor during the February 2022 fight season.

Linares (47-8, 29 KOs) hopes to put his name as one of the people to watch for in the world of boxing especially in the 140 division. Thus far Jorge has a 100% winning record in the UK, and he can keep that while also putting Catterall in the back of the line when it comes time for vying for a Championship.
Here are some quotes from the ePress Conference that was held compliments of Matchroom Boxing:

Eddie Hearn, Matchroom Sport Chairman:

“October 21st in Liverpool, the M&S Bank Arena, an intriguing 140lbs clash – Jack Catterall against Jorge Linares, all set, live and exclusive around the world on DAZN. I’m joined by Jack Catterall, Jorge Linares and their respective mangers Sam Jones and Roberto Diaz as well. This is a great fight. Jorge Linares has been to the UK many times. We’ve never managed to beat him, yet. But this time he’s coming for what might be described as a final roll of the dice in the big-time fights at 140lbs. The training that we’ve seen and the intensity that we’ve seen from him is that of a very hungry fighter. Jack Catterall, a man who many feel should be the undisputed 140lbs Champion of the World, a chance to fight a big name on the big stage before he goes into what he hopes to be World Championship fights in 2024.”

Jack Catterall:

“First of all I’d like to thank Eddie, Robert and Linares for the opportunity. I got the call quite some weeks ago now for this fight. I said to Sam straight away, ‘sign me up!’ I’m not in boxing to be fighting guys that want to come and roll over and build up a record. I want to test myself and see how good I can be in the sport of boxing. I’m excited. I’ve seen Linares and his training videos – he seems very motivated and that excites me, it makes me go to the gym and work extra hard. Like Linares said, we want to make a beautiful fight. But not only that, I want to come away victorious. I think we all know Linares is a future Hall of Famer and I wouldn’t show the disrespect to any opponent by talking about any other fights right now. I said to Sam and the team around me, we don’t talk about any fights – it’s 100% focus on Linares. We pay him that respect and we train hard to win that fight on October 21st. I think that’s why the fight is exciting – Linares has been over to our turf, my turf, and always picked up the victories. I’m next up now to defend our turf and pick up the win.”

Sam Jones, Manager of Jack Catterall:

“I’ve had the opportunity to spend a lot of time with Jorge in his camps and I know how hard he trains; how hard he works. I know people judge him off his defeats, he had defeats earlier on in his career and I know how that motivated him. I know him personally. I know what type of person he is, I know how hard he trains. Usually, I can antagonize opponents and all of that, but I can’t do that with Jorge because I have too much respect for him. He’s one of the best people I’ve ever met, he’s a legend. I just think in boxing it’s about timing. Jack reminds me a bit of how Linares trains. A demon, focused, lives well, clean life, trains very hard and I just think the old lion and the young lion – I think it’s Jack Catterall’s time. I think he’s the best 140lbs fighter in the world, but a motivated and hungry Linares is a problem for any fighter in the world. I have whole heaps of respect for him, and I know he’s coming to bring it. As soon as I hear he was going back to Salas to train, I knew this was game on! This is a real fight. The connection they have together is fantastic. I know Salas wouldn’t let Linares box I he thought he was finished. This fight is going to be electric – 100%”

Jorge Linares:

“I feel happy. I’m trying to take care of myself. All of the time, inside the gym and outside of the gym. I try to have a very comfortable life. I was in Japan for 20 years. The life in Japan is totally different to life in the United States and also Latin America, that’s why I look like this. Thank you to you Eddie, thank you to Jack and to Sam and Roberto Diaz again for this amazing opportunity to come back to the UK because you know my story there. I had amazing fighters there three times. This is an amazing dream for me. I always wanted to go back to the UK to make another amazing fight with the best 135lbs or 140lbs fighter. The best option was Jack Catterall. The motivation that I have right now is the same it was seven or eight years ago. This is the moment. This is the most important fight. I want to make an amazing show for the people to enjoy, and to enjoy myself. We’re going to make a beautiful fight. This is the most difficult fight of my life. I need to win this fight. I feel like I’m a World Champion right now. I need to come to the UK to defend all my belts. This is the responsibility that I have right now, the pressure that I have right now. This time is different because I come from a loss. After this fight something big is coming for me. That’s why it’s very important for me to win this fight.”

Roberto Diaz, manager of Jorge Linares:

“Thank you so much Eddie. I want to thank everyone at Matchroom, thank everybody at DAZN, thank team Jack Catterall for this opportunity. It’s a great opportunity. Everybody knows that Jorge Linares is coming to the point where retirement is near. However, I’ve known him for 20 years and what he’s showing me right now is a great motivation – that last hurrah. That’s the Jorge Linares I know. That’s the Jorge that’s been to the UK three times and three times he’s beaten the British fighters. We have all respect to this man (Jack Catterall), he should be undefeated, he should be undisputed and that’s why Jorge said, ‘I don’t just want to fight anybody, I’ve always fought the best, I’m going to continue fighting the best, I want to fight the best at 140lbs, and I want to go and give it another run’. Come October 21st you don’t want to miss it. A legendary fighter like Jorge Linares is back in the UK and we’re going for four. Four and 0. With all due respect this young man (Jack Catterall) should be undefeated but will be defeated October 21st.”

Catterall vs. Linares tops of huge night of action on Merseyside, Liverpool amateur sensation turned 7-0 (5 KOs) Super-Bantamweight prospect Peter McGrail fights for his first professional title when he faces unbeaten Colombian Fran Mendoza for the vacant WBA Continental Title, Oldham’s unbeaten Super-Featherweight contender Aqib Fiaz (12-0, 1 KO) kicks off live the live broadcast with what promises to be an electric match-up against Watford’s Reece Bellotti (16-5, 13 KOs) for the vacant Commonwealth Title.
With the fight doubling up as a British Title Final Eliminator, Stoke’s undefeated Super-Bantamweight slickster Shabaz Masoud (11-0, 4 KOs) fights for the first time as a Matchroom fighter after singing a multi-fight deal with Eddie Hearn in June – putting his WBA Intercontinental title on the line against Colombia’s Jose Sanmartin (34-7-1, 21 KOs).

Chester’s Paddy Lacey (8-0, 1 KO) returns to action as he takes on Heysham’s Owen Kirk (3-1-2), Hyde Super-Lightweight Campbell Hatton (13-0, 5 KOs) sees action for the fifth time this year after outpointing Tom Ansell on the undercard of Joshua vs. Helenius last month, Bolton’s Khaleel Majid (11-0, 3 KOs) looks to build on his points win in Birmingham, Leicester Super-Bantamweight Muhammad Ali (3-0, 1 KO) looks to go 4-0, Manchester Super-Welterweight William Crolla (1-0) fights for the second time as a pro and ‘El Terrier’ Jack Turner (2-0, 2 KOs) fights in his home city for the first time.

Tickets for Catterall vs. Linares are priced £40, £60, £100, £150 and £250 (VIP). Tickets are available to purchase via Stage Front NOW.

For more information on Matchroom Boxing fans are encouraged to click on the link seen here:

Matchroom Boxing | Worldwide Boxing Promoter

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Hudson River Derby Thriller provides memorable day for Soccer fans at Yankee Stadium

For those that feel a love and passion for the sport of soccer attending a match at Yankee Stadium is certainly a memorable experience. Sitting at one of the more iconic new sporting venues in the New York Area and being able to watch the New York City FC play the sport in a baseball stadium.

There have been a ton of challenges that were faced by the grounds crew at Yankee Stadium in covering the baseball venue into one that hosted soccer, but since the birth of NYCFC both the franchise and Stadium blended well together.

In one of the more memorable moments at the venue, and in one of the more important days for New York City FC, the Boys in Blue took to the pitch for potentially one last time during the 2023 Season.

That memorable moment was the latest installation of the Hudson River Derby as NYCFC hosted the New York Red Bulls, with the results being huge for both squads as they were battling for a spot in the 2023 MLS Playoffs.

With an incredible crowd of 26,657 in attendance, both NYCFC and the Red Bulls provided plenty of memorable moments in a thrilling 0-0 draw, in a day that is going to go down in the history books in terms of special moments for the sport of soccer.

There were especially some individual moments that are going to be talked about as Goalkeeper Matt Freese was able to play in his second clean sheet over the three regular seasons played during his career.

In addition, NYCFC saw three players making their Hudson River Derby debut as Defender Birk Risa, Forward Julián Fernández, and Midfielder Andrés Perea got a taste of the New York City soccer rivarly.

Soccer fans are encouraged to check out the following photo gallery from the 2023 Hudson River Derby at Yankee Stadium on 9/16/23…photos taken by: Stacy Podelski/1495Sports


Fans are also encouraged to check out the following videos:

Head Coach Nick Cushing shares these thoughts on the match and what it means to have been a part of a team that played at Yankee Stadium:

Goalkeeper Matt Freese shares these thoughts on the match and playing at Yankee Stadium:

One of the masterclass saves Freese made is during the 75th minute, when he dove to the left to deflect a ball out of bounds.

As for the offensive chances there were a ton of thrilling moments for both sides. Starting with the Red Bulls as a chance by Elias Manoel went just past the post.

In the Second Half of play there were also some opportunities that had fans on the edge of their seats, as the Red Bulls Omir Fernandez got himself an opportunity that was denied by the play of Freese.

Santiago Rodríguez looked very impressive in the Second Half of play, getting some great chances of his own around the 66th minute mark and shortly after.

Then for NYCFC they saw a wonderful opportunity by Monsef Bakrar, as the striker came oh so close to helping his squad get the lead. Bakrar is playing a great brand of soccer as of late, and the more time he sees with the squad the more scoring opportunities he is going to hopefully get.

Even though there were plenty of chances on both sides, at the end of the action the match ended with a 0-0 draw and both sides waiting for results from other MLS teams to determine where they are going to stand in the potential 2023 MLS Playoff Hunt.

Up next for the Boys in Blue they have a home game but this time at Citi Field as they take on Orlando City SC on September 20, with the action scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

As for the New York Red Bulls they are also going to be in action on 9/20 as they host Austin FC in MLS action in Red Bull Arena on 7:30 p.m.

For more information on New York City FC fans are encouraged to click on the link seen here:

New York City FC (nycfc.com)

For more information on the New York Red Bulls fans are encouraged to click on the link seen here:

New York Red Bulls

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Barclays Center Rocking with Liberty’s 2023 WNBA Playoff Opening victory over Mystics

Welcome to Brooklyn…. Friday night at the Barclays Center the New York Liberty kicked off the first game of the 2023 WNBA playoffs against the Washington Mystics. In front of an electric atmosphere, as fans were bringing the good energy all night long in the team’s 90-75 victory.

There were a ton of legends in the building including Sue Wicks, Sue Bird and Teresa Weatherspoon got to sit in the front row and supported the team.

During the First Quarter of the game things weren’t clicking for the Liberty. The intensity from the players caused both teams to get into foul trouble early.  Eventually though New York got into the groove and thanks to their play got the fans Rocking.

Fans are encouraged to check out the following photo gallery from The First Round of the 2023 WNBA Playoffs between the Liberty and Mystics…..photos by: Stacy Podelski/1495Sports

Fans are also encouraged to check out the following videos:

A pre-game look from the 2023 WNBA Playoffs First Round between the New York Liberty and the Washington Mystics:

Thoughts from Head Coach Sandy Brondello along with Betnijah Laney and Sabrina Ionescu from after the game…video is compliments of the New York Liberty:

Laney set the tone for New York, as she scored a career high 19 points on 53.3% (8-15) shooting from the field, to go along with a playoff career-high eight rebounds. Both Laney and Jonquel Jones were the reason in the First Half the Liberty were able to score some points.

JJ impressed with her style of play as she was able to record her 11th double-double of the season with 12 rebounds, 20 points shooting from the floor at 58.3% (7-12). 

Sabrina Ionescu found her groove in the Second Half of the game, as she scored six of her seven three-point shots in the second half. Ionescu scored 29 points and showed a ton of heart and passion throughout the night. In the fourth quarter she dropped back-to-back to back 3-point shots and helped to end the game on a strong note with a bucket with 22.3 seconds left with the final three pointer. 

“I was just kind of in that zone locked in, the basket felt pretty big when I was shooting and obviously to win this game at home is huge for this crowd and what they meant for us all season long. Also, tonight they (the fans) were rowdy, electric and continue to give us the motivation that we needed. We want to continue to play our best possible when we are playing at home,” said Sabrina after the game. 

The Liberty came out hungry and wanted to defend the Barclays after the tough regular season loss to the Mystics. That is one of the more memorable moments as the Mystics took home the win with the final shot with .5 seconds left in the game.

Hitting the game winner in that moment is Brittney Sykes. Slim finished the game with 16 points in the First Round of the playoffs and impressed with her defensive style of play.

During the pre-game press conference Skyes talked about growing in the Metropolitan Area, going from attending the games and now playing Liberty in the playoffs. 

There was a bit of a Milestone Moment for the Liberty, as with her assist at the 4:35 mark of the second, Courtney Vandersloot recorded her 300th career postseason assist, joining Lindsay Whalen and Sue Bird. At 41 games, she is the fastest player to reach the milestone in WNBA history. She ultimately finished with seven points, a team-high six assists, four rebounds, and two steals.

Sloot is so swift on the court if you lose sight of her for one second, she is going to drive the ball straight to the hoop.

Also having an impressive showing for the Liberty is Breanna Stewart as she rounded out the scoring with her 10 points, eight rebounds, four assists, and three blocks

Up next for the New York Liberty is going to be the all-important Game Two, taking place on Tuesday, September 19, 2023, at the Barclays Center with the Tip Off Time set for 7:00 p.m. With a potential victory the New York Liberty can advance to the Second Round of the 2023 WNBA Playoffs.

For more information on the New York Liberty fans are encouraged to check out the link seen below.

Home – New York Liberty (wnba.com)

For more information on the Washington Mystics fans are encouraged to check out the link below.
Homepage – Washington Mystics (wnba.com)