Liberty Struggle Continues: Defeated by Dream in Atlanta

The New York Liberty faced yet another setback in their recent road trip, suffering a 90-81 loss to the Atlanta Dream on Sunday. Head coach Sandy Brondello succinctly summed up the situation with one word: "embarrassed." This defeat marked the Liberty’s fourth loss in five games, further exposing their defensive vulnerabilities in the absence of star player Jonquel Jones.

Defensive Struggles Without Jonquel Jones

The Liberty struggled defensively against the Dream, allowing over 100 points for the second time in six games. The team’s inability to stop their opponents has become increasingly problematic, particularly in the paint, where they faced significant challenges against Brittney Griner and Brionna Jones.

• Points in the Paint: The Dream dominated inside, scoring 62 points in the paint compared to the Liberty’s 36 points.
• Mismatch Issues: New York’s mismatches were evident as Grionna Jones repeatedly capitalized on her height advantage over Liberty guard Marine Johannès.

“Tonight was tough, we just couldn’t find our rhythm defensively,” Brondello noted post-game.

A Frantic Comeback Fizzles Out

The Liberty had hoped to gain momentum following a comeback victory over the Dream earlier in the season, where they had erased a 17-point deficit. However, that energy was short-lived this time around.

Key Moments

• Third Quarter Push: New York managed to cut a 20-point deficit down to 10 with a change in rhythm in the third quarter. However, this revitalization didn’t carry over into the final period.
• Late-Game Stumble: Despite Breanna Stewart’s almost double-double performance (21 points, 9 rebounds), the Liberty could not make crucial stops when needed.

Standout Performances

• Breanna Stewart: The Liberty’s star player led the charge with 21 points and 9 rebounds but had to sit out in the closing minutes as the game slipped away.
• Natasha Cloud: Contributed a strong performance with 20 points, 6 assists, and 4 rebounds.
• Sabrina Ionescu: Recorded 14 points, yet struggled offensively, shooting just 5-for-15 from the field.

Missed Opportunities

The Liberty had opportunities to narrow the score as the game progressed. A notable moment occurred when Stewart’s floater reduced the deficit to 10 points at the end of the third quarter, showcasing potential for a comeback. However, missed baskets and turnovers stifled any further attempts.

The Road Ahead

As the Liberty regroup following a challenging game, they will need to address their defensive lapses and find a way to balance offensive boards effectively. The road trip’s end leaves more questions than answers as they prepare for their future matchups.

Conclusion

The Liberty’s current struggle is a critical moment for the team. Without corrective measures, these issues could haunt them throughout the season. The hope for a turnaround lies in their ability to tighten their defense and harness the offensive potential of their key players.

For more insights into the Liberty’s journey, check out additional coverage on ESPN and SB Nation.