As the 2024 season of the WNBA began, the Connecticut Sun got off to a great start by going 9-0. They were the top dogs of the league, beating teams left and right. Connecticut Sun players Alyssa Thomas and DiJonai Carrington dominated. Carrington’s fiery and competitive energy hooked viewers during the Sun vs. Fever game back in May, with her lockdown defense on Caitlin Clark sparking interest.
On June 8th, the New York Liberty handed the Connecticut Sun their first loss of the season with an 82-75 win. “I think it’s just two great teams going against each other. You know, when you’re playing the best of the best, every night it’s just going to be a heated game,” WNBA Connecticut Sun player Brionna Jones stated in a press conference. Although the Sun won the next four games, things took a turn after they played the Las Vegas Aces on June 21st, then losing to the Seattle Storm, Atlanta Dream, and almost the Washington Mystics in overtime.
The New York Liberty also got off to a hot start but lost a few early games to the Chicago Sky and the Minnesota Lynx. Despite losing those games, the Liberty adapted well and have been on a tear ever since. Having the reigning MVP Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu together has created an electric team. Jonquel Jones is a player that normally goes under the radar, but this season she has been showing her many skills like stretching the floor; she is shooting 42.2% from the three-point line this season.
Betnijah Laney-Hamilton and Kayla Thornton have also been big factors in the Liberty’s wins. When Courtney Vandersloot was out after suffering from back tightness, Thornton stepped right in and dominated. In Thornton’s first game starting, she had 20 points, 3 rebounds, and was 7-14 from the field within 34 minutes of play.
Laney-Hamilton has set the tone for the New York Liberty with her non-stop defense and ability to score when they need her. She’s averaging 12.7 points per game, 1.4 steals, 4.5 rebounds, and 38% from the three-point line.
In Wednesday’s game, there were several different lead changes during the Liberty vs. Sun game, and it went down to the last seconds to determine the winner. “I felt like we dug ourselves a hole early. We fought back and just, on both ends of the floor, didn’t make enough plays to be able to come away with it,” WNBA Connecticut Sun head coach Stephanie White explained. “Against a top team, it’s got to be consistency and execution for forty minutes.”
Sabrina Ionescu led the Liberty to victory against the Sun with 21 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists. Ionescu was clutch for the Liberty in the fourth quarter, giving them the lead. She went to work with 4.4 seconds left on the clock, making a hard shot and blocking DeWanna Bonner’s shot. Breanna Stewart also had a great game with 18 points and 14 rebounds.
Winning against the Sun gave the Liberty full possession of the number one seed after they were previously tied. Last year, the New York Liberty were given the title of a super team after continuously dominating the league but fell short to the Aces. This could be the year that the Liberty super team steps up to claim the WNBA throne from the Aces. “You can’t spot a team like New York in the first quarter. They’re too good, they’re too deep…they make you pay for mistakes,” Stephanie White said in the press conference.
The NY Liberty beat the CT Sun, 71 to 68.
Kierra Richardson is a Journalism student at Ohio State University desiring to work in sports media.
