There are key players that tend to find a rhythm during a certain time of the year. For the New York Liberty it is Stef Dolson and her ability to play well in the month of September.
Dolson had the Barclays Center rocking with her shooting as she scored 17 points on 85.7% (6-7) shooting from the field, including a perfect 100% (5-5) from three, and four rebounds off the bench. Her five makes from three also marked a season-high, one shy of tying a career-high from deep.
In a night featuring a ton of incredible themes the New York Liberty defeated the Los Angeles Sparks, 96-89 Thursday night.
One of the many treats for those in attendance is the one night only performance of the Lion King halftime show. Fans got to be inspired by the landmark musical, special appearances by members of the Broadway company.
Los Angeles made the night a tough one, as the Sparks defense did a tremendous job double teaming the Liberty, as LA tried their best to secure a spot in the playoffs but came up short.
Layshia Clarendon led the way for the Sparks as she finished with a game-high 30 points, five rebounds, and three assists, while Azurá Stevens added 18 points, eight rebounds, and three steals.
The Barclays Center also got a custom XBOX Court that was designed for the Liberty. The second year for the partnership with XBOX and Liberty highlighted the Starfield Universe with elements from the Bethesda Game Studios’ highly anticipated space exploration game. A partnership to inspire the generation to imagine the possibilities of space exploration, especially for young girls and women.
“ Knowing what you do well and what you bring to the team and working on that constantly so when we do come in we know exactly what to do. Staying ready because at any point Sandy (Coach ) can put us in for any different reason, ” said Steph Dolson.
There is something about Dolson firing off the way she did Thursday’s night felt similar to that of a video game, as she got into a great rhythm with her shooting. At one point in the game Sabrina Ionescu said to Dolson “ Doesn’t it feel good “. Dolson very humbled by tonight’s performance was just locked in.
“ It’s means lot (playing well in New York) being injured and my second season here I think they (the fans and my teamates) really have my back. I think there were just excited as my teammates were for the shots to go in. I was ready it’s just feels nice the fans always support me,” said Dolson.
To see more thoughts from Coach Sandy along with Stef Dolson and Breanna Stewart fans are encouraged to check out the video below…video is Compliments of the New York Liberty
Ionescu the 3-point MVP broke the WNBA all-time single-season made threes record, eclipsing Diana Taurasi’s previous 17-year-old record of 121. Ionescu stat sheet included 16 points, five assists, and four rebounds.
Also having an impressive night is Betnijah Laney as she totaled 20 points on 53.8% (7-13) shooting from the floor, including 60% (3-5) from three, and a season-high seven assists, marking back-to-back 20-point games for the first time since she recorded a franchise-record eight-consecutive games of 20-plus points to open the 2021 season––her first with the Liberty.
WNBA Eastern Conference player of the Week Breanna Stewart scored 21 points in the first half ended the game with 25 points on 56.3% (9-16) shooting from the floor, including 60% (3-5) from three, five rebounds, three assists, and two blocks.
The Liberty have one final Regular Season Home Game and it is going to be one to attend, as the ladies take on their East Coast Rivals the Washington Mystics on Sunday, September 10 at 1:00 p.m.
For more information on the New York Liberty fans are encouraged to click on the link seen here