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:
