NY Liberty vs. Atlanta Dream preview: Regular season finale
Photo by Adam Hagy/NBAE via Getty Images
The Liberty have nothing to play for in the regular season finale. The Atlanta Dream on the other hand are fighting for their playoff lives ONE down, many more to go. The New York Liberty took a quick trip to DC on Tuesday to face the Washington Mystics. They were able to cruise to a quality win and locked up the overall No. 1 seed in the WNBA playoffs in the process.
The playoffs have already begun for the Atlanta Dream. The Dream have been on the razor’s edge of elimination for a good while, but they’ve somehow survived.
Where to follow the game
Typically, the games are on Fox 5 or My9. However, September in New York is very crowded so they won't be there tonight unfortunately (Fox 5 has the New York Jets vs. New England Patriots while My9 has the New York Mets vs. the Philadelphia Phillies). Liberty Live, League Pass, and the YES Network App have you covered. Tip after 7:00 p.m. ET. My9 will air the replay after the Mets game.
Injuries
All clear for the Liberty.
Haley Jones is probable with a calf injury. Aerial Powers and Cheyenne Parker-Tyus are both out for the remainder of the season.
The game
New York won games one, two, and three. This is the last regular season meeting between these two clubs.
If the Dream win, they’re in. Simple enough. If they lose, well that’s when things start to get complicated. Luckily for us, Jack Maloney of CBS Sports is here to break it all down.
For the Liberty, they have one job tonight: Stay healthy and make it to the postseason at full strength. With that in mind, look for the major players to see their minutes drastically reduced tonight. With it being Fan Appreciation Night at the ‘clays, we may see the starters for a bit, but not too much.
Gameday at @barclayscenter and tonight is ALL about our LIBS FAM @AtlantaDream ⏰ 7pm / ET @NBATV | LIBERTY LIVE ️ https://t.co/pUS4aq1kFxPresented by @Xbox #SEAFOAMSZN | #LIGHTITUPNYL pic.twitter.com/t5TZ9OpRRF— New York Liberty (@nyliberty) September 19, 2024
Someone who should see the court a lot tonight is Marquesha Davis. The rook hasn’t seen the court much this year, but did have her best game of the season in the second matchup against Atlanta. Tonight will be a great opportunity for her to get some minutes in, apply the things she’s learned from the coaching staff this year, and give the fans something fun to cheer for before the postseason pressure kicks in.
With the Dream fighting for their playoff lives, a lot will be on the shoulders of Tina Charles. TC has a chance to make some history tonight as she is just two rebounds behind Sylvia Fowles for the most rebounds in WNBA history. Having a chance to set that record in her hometown against the team she carried in the mid 2010s is a nice full circle moment. Nyara Sabally will draw the bulk of the assignment against the future Hall of Famer. Sabally has been terrific as of late and we’ve gotten to see her full arsenal on display:
Sabally will be essential to the Liberty’s postseason chances as she brings a different dimension to the team when she comes in off the bench.
Player to watch: Rhyne Howard
Injuries have made this season a tough one for Howard. Her shooting numbers are down a bit and if she wants to take the next step into that upper echelon of perimeter players, she’ll need to fix that. This matchup has historically been a tough one for Howard. She’s only shot above 40 percent from the field twice in nine career games vs. New York. If she’s able to break from her norm and put up a great performance, that will likely guarantee Atlanta a first round date with the Liberty starting Sunday.
Tonight will be one last chance for Leonie Fiebich to add to her All-WNBA rookie team case. Leo has been fantastic all season long and will be critical to the Liberty’s championship dreams. She spoke to Noa Dalzell of SB Nation about her role on the team and what she brings to the table
“[I’m] just bringing energy, honestly, especially on defense. Because when you play big minutes, like our starters [do], it’s cool to have somebody come in and just be energetic and pressure the ball and be aggressive on defense.”
She’s done everything great for the Liberty and should be rewarded during award season.
From the Vault
Earlier today, the Brooklyn Nets announced that Vince Carter will have his jersey retired on January 25, 2025 vs the Miami Heat. VC used to give the Heat BUCKETS, so let’s watch him do that!
More reading: Peachtree Hoops, ATEEJL Dream, Swish Appeal, SB Nation, The Strickland, The Local W, New York Daily News, New York Post, The Athletic, NY Liberty Fan TV, Fansided, Just Women’s Sports, SI All Knicks, Winsidr, Her Hoop Stats, CBS Sports, and The Next
New York Liberty Game Notes - New York Liberty
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