💥 The playoffs don’t wait for anyone, and neither does Emma Meesseman. Stepping into the high-stakes world of the WNBA postseason with the New York Liberty, Meesseman isn’t just playing games—she’s navigating pressure, momentum swings, and leadership in a team hungry for a title.
Fresh off a challenging game against Phoenix, Meesseman was candid about the reality of playoff basketball. “It wasn’t our best game, and it wasn’t theirs either,” she said, emphasizing that improvement and adaptability are everything at this stage. With star guard Sabrina Ionescu nursing a knee issue, the pressure is on others to step up—and Meesseman is ready to answer the call. “You’ve got to be ready. That’s why you have 12 players, not just five. Losing someone shouldn’t make or break a result,” she explained.
Rebounding, hustle, and mental toughness are the lifeblood of the Liberty’s strategy. Meesseman reflected on a remarkable comeback in a recent game: down 12 points with only two minutes left, the team surged back to reclaim control. “The game is never over. You have to fight, mentally and physically, every possession,” she said. The playoffs, she notes, are relentless, and even small lapses can shift momentum—and Meesseman knows how to recalibrate her team mid-game.
Discipline and positioning are crucial. “It’s playoff basketball, it’s going to be hard,” she said. “But you can’t shy away. You have to fight for yourself, get open, be in the right spots, and take responsibility.” Experience has taught her the importance of anticipation, communication, and trust. Even as a newcomer to New York, Meesseman leverages her championship pedigree to support teammates, often giving advice face-to-face rather than dominating conversations.
Her international experience, including MVP and EuroBasket runs, has prepared her for the heightened intensity of the WNBA playoffs. “It’s not just tactics,” she said. “It’s about handling the spotlight, the attention, the pressure. When I was younger, I could be paralyzed by big moments. Now, I can manage them.” That composure translates into the Liberty’s on-court decision-making, from cutting and spacing to maintaining calm under fire.
Meesseman also highlights the importance of learning from past mistakes. Even minor errors in judgment or missed layups are opportunities to adjust and communicate quickly with teammates. “It’s about knowing yourself and your personnel,” she explained. “Everybody will adjust; you have to be ready to answer, fast.”
For Emma Meesseman, the playoffs are a test of mental fortitude, experience, and teamwork. Whether stepping into Sabrina’s role or guiding younger teammates with her calm and measured approach, she is a force shaping the Liberty’s pursuit of glory. Every cut, rebound, and defensive assignment matters—and with her on the floor, New York is ready to face any challenge the postseason throws their way.
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