NEW YORK — Following their historic Game 1 collapse to the Minnesota Lynx, members of the New York Liberty found different ways to cope and move forward.
Sabrina Ionescu couldn’t simply forget about the loss, while Leonie Fiebich watched the game multiple times in the days that followed. Courtney Vandersloot described the process of moving on as a gradual one.
Head coach Sandy Brondello appreciated the extra time between games to review film and reflect. However, the start of Game 2 marked a new beginning and a fresh chapter in the series.
While there were moments that felt familiar from Game 1, Sunday’s matchup featured Betnijah Laney-Hamilton as a standout player who had a limited impact in the previous game.
Laney-Hamilton’s performance in Game 2 was impressive, scoring 20 points and hitting a crucial 3-pointer in the final minutes. Despite Brondello’s concerns about her playing time and recent knee procedure, Laney-Hamilton delivered on both ends of the court.
With Laney-Hamilton’s contributions, along with strong games from Stewart and Ionescu, the Liberty managed to secure a Game 2 victory. The game saw fluctuations in the lead, but this time New York held on for the win.
Game 3 of the series is set for Wednesday night, with the momentum now shifting in New York’s favor.
Laney-Hamilton’s Impact
Less than three months after knee surgery, Laney-Hamilton stepped up in Game 2 with a strong offensive performance. Despite not being at full strength, she made key plays throughout the game, helping to secure the victory for the Liberty.
She capitalized on opportunities, including hitting a crucial 3-pointer in the final minutes, showcasing her versatility and determination.
Laney-Hamilton’s performance in Game 2 was a significant turnaround from her previous outings in the postseason, proving her resilience and value to the team.
Minnesota’s Resilience
Despite falling behind early, the Lynx showed resilience and determination throughout the game. They stuck to their game plan, almost erasing a significant deficit in the second half.
While they couldn’t pull off the comeback, Minnesota’s resilience bodes well for the rest of the series as it heads to their home court.
Players like McBride and Collier displayed their commitment and perseverance, setting a positive tone for the team moving forward.
Required reading
(Photo: Nathaniel S. Butler / Getty Images)