Things were a little bit different in the second meeting between the New York Liberty (12-4) and the Phoenix Mercury (3-13) as two of the W’s greats in Diana Taurasi and Brittney Griner were on the floor for the second meeting.
With the new challenge the Liberty rose to the occasion and were able to come out with the 99-95 victory. The final score marks the fifth time New York has scored 90-plus points in a game this season.
New York Liberty fans are encouraged to check out the following video clip featuring thoughts from Head Coach Sandy Brondello, Jonquel Jones and Breanna Stewart. In the video Jones and Stewart shares these thoughts on how to stop Brittney Griner…video is compliments of the New York Liberty and edited and produced by 1495 Sports Correspondent Kim Dillinger:
There were once again some impressive numbers both overall and individually that helped the Liberty, as they were able to grind out and find a way to beat the Mercury.
As a team the Liberty finished on 42.9% (32-65) shooting from the field, 44% (11-25) from three, and 85.7% at the free throw line.
When it came time for the individual performances, the franchise saw four players with double-digit performances as Breanna Stewart, Betnijah Laney, Jonquel Jones, and Sabrina Ionescu all impressed.
Starting off with Stewart, as the forward made a bit of history with her stats against Phoenix, in having the first 43-point, 12-rebound, six assist game in WNBA history. In addition, Stewart had her second 40-point game and her ninth double-double of the season. Both of her 40-point performances came while playing for her hometown team the Liberty, and she is the first player to have multiple 40-point games in a season since 2018.
Laney stepped it up big time for New York contributing some big plays on both sides of the floor, with her 14 points on 60% shooting from the field. In addition, Betnijah added two steals, which were huge in helping the team maintain possession of the basketball.
Jones showed off some impressive moves in the lost post in adding a stat line of 13 points, four rebounds and two assists.
Rounding out the Liberty leaders is Ionescu as she added 11 points, a season-high nine assist and seven rebounds.
Fans of the W in the New York Area were in for a treat in seeing Taurasi and Griner on the floor again, and the duo did not disappoint. Taurasi stats included 23 points, seven assists and five rebounds, while Griner showed up and showed-out with her 21 points and eight rebounds.
Griner shares these thoughts on returning to the W and using her platform to help others. Video is compliments of the Phoenix Mercury and edited and produced by Kim Dillinger:
The Liberty get to stick around the New York Area, as up next, they host the Seattle Storm on Saturday, July 8 with the tip-off from the game scheduled for 2:00 p.m.
For more information on the New York Liberty fans are encouraged to click on the link seen here: